Flávio Bolsonaro Under Investigation Over Film Financing in Brazil

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro is under criminal investigation by the Federal Police regarding the financing of Dark Horse, a biopic about his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro. The inquiry examines potential offences including money laundering, unauthorised transfers abroad, and active and passive corruption.

While police have not filed formal charges, indictments, or prosecutions, details of the inquiry emerged on Friday after Supreme Court Minister André Mendonça unsealed documents related to the Banco Master investigation. Investigators allege the senator acted as a direct interlocutor with banker Daniel Vorcaro to secure funds for the production.

“I ask Minister André Mendonça: open the seals, remove the confidentiality of everything, show everything to the people.”

Police state that a contract for 24 million US dollars was arranged in 14 instalments, with approximately 12.3 million US dollars actually paid. Following the public disclosure, the distributor suspended the film's release, which had been scheduled to debut on Friday.

Speaking in Manaus, presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro denied any wrongdoing and defended the Supreme Court minister who authorised the inquiry. He called for the complete removal of confidentiality on all related investigations, including the Banco Master case and government matters.

Additionally, the senator requested that Minister Flávio Dino be investigated for alleged electoral interference. The unsealed documents revealed that the inquiry into the senator was initially authorised in July following a request by the Federal Police.