Key facts
- Brazil's Supreme Court postponed a decision on whether to investigate Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
- Justice Flavio Dino asked for more time to review the case.
- A law firm associated with Moraes' wife held a $24 million consulting agreement with Banco Master.
- Banco Master owner Daniel Vorcaro allegedly sent text messages to Moraes.
- Senator Flavio Bolsonaro is reportedly under investigation for alleged money laundering and corruption linked to Banco Master.
Brazil's Supreme Court postponed a decision on whether to investigate fellow court member Justice Alexandre de Moraes over allegations he advised a banker accused of leading a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme. Justice Flavio Dino asked for more time to review the case, halting the session before the merits could be discussed. Moraes, a prominent justice known for leading investigations into a coup plot that convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies, has become a focal point in the presidential election campaign. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the former president's son, has sought to link Moraes to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Concerns about Moraes' conduct arose when Justice Andre Mendonca disclosed a federal police report alleging that Daniel Vorcaro, owner of the defunct Banco Master, sent text messages to Moraes, some referencing an escape strategy. Court documents show a law firm associated with Moraes' wife had a $24 million consulting contract with Banco Master, which was liquidated by the central bank in November 2025. Vorcaro was arrested in March. Moraes has denied any wrongdoing and accused Mendonca, appointed by former President Bolsonaro, of overstepping his authority. Chief Justice Edson Fachin has scheduled a separate hearing for next week to address these accusations. The Banco Master case has caused turmoil, with leaks exposing Vorcaro's influence and embarrassing national figures, including Senator Bolsonaro, who is reportedly under investigation for alleged money laundering and corruption connected to the bank. Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing, stating his interactions with Vorcaro were personal and related to film financing. Separately, a poll released Tuesday suggests President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva would defeat Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in a runoff election.