STF‑Authorized Raids Target Publicist Tied to Banco Master as State Probes Uncover Large Procurement and Emenda Diversions

Overview

• The Federal Police, with an order from STF Justice André Mendonça, carried out searches of publicist Thiago Miranda on Thursday, July 9, seizing phones, computers and cloud data to expand the Compliance Zero inquiry into Banco Master.
• Investigators say Miranda ran a so‑called 'Project DV' that recruited and paid influencers to defend Banco Master and attack the Central Bank, with offers reportedly reaching R$2 million per post and payments routed through companies tied to Daniel Vorcaro.
• Messages cited by police show Miranda and Vorcaro discussed digging into journalist Malu Gaspar’s private finances and personal life, investigators say the pair used unauthorized data‑sales platforms to collect sensitive information.
• Separate state actions have moved in parallel: Mato Grosso do Sul prosecutors arrested suspects in a scheme that allegedly routed more than R$27 million through book contracts, the Rio de Janeiro prosecutor charged 11 in an alleged R$86.3 million diversion at Instituto Rio Metrópole, and the PF launched Operação Emendatio with R$100 million in asset blocks tied to Chiquinho Brazão.
• Authorities expect forensic extraction from seized devices to produce more evidence and the investigations have already prompted administrative exonerations, contract suspensions and wider political exposure with possible effects on campaigns and press freedom.