STF Authorizes Searches in Probe of R$3 Billion Rioprevidência Transfers Linked to Banco Master

Overview

• On Tuesday May 26, 2026 the Supreme Court minister André Mendonça authorized ten search‑and‑seizure warrants executed by the Federal Police in the eighth phase of Operation Compliance Zero targeting Cláudio Castro and others.
• Police allege roughly R$3 billion in state pension money from Rioprevidência was moved into Letras Financeiras and funds tied to Banco Master with additional estimates by the PGR of up to about R$3.6–3.9 billion.
• Investigators say evidence points to a ‘‘vínculo pessoal estreito’’ between Castro and Master founder Daniel Vorcaro, the use of intermediaries, and a 0.6% commission paid to lobista Ricardo Siqueira Rodrigues to secure the investments.
• The probe cites changes to Rioprevidência governance, suppression of technical steps and strategic appointments that may have enabled the transfers, and authorities seized phones and documents now under analysis.
• The case has immediate political fallout in the PL and the Alerj with senior party figures viewing Castro’s Senate run as politically unviable while auditors and prosecutors warn the alleged losses threaten benefits for about 235,000 state pensioners.