Banco Master, owned by Daniel Vorcaro, transferred R$ 27.2 million to the Metrópoles portal, owned by Luiz Estevão, from 2024 to 2025 during talks to sell to BRB. Coaf reports flag possible irregularities in the payments, with rapid transfers to companies linked to the former senator. Estevão claims the amounts were for football sponsorships and advertising campaigns.
Banco Master made payments totaling R$ 27.2 million to the Metrópoles portal between 2024 and 2025, coinciding with negotiations to sell the bank to BRB, a Brasília state-owned institution. The transfers appear in Coaf reports, which flag signs of irregularities. The council noted that funds were debited immediately after crediting, in an "instant transfer," suggesting possible movement for third-party benefit.
Former senator Luiz Estevão, Metrópoles owner, stated the funds covered football sponsorships, including naming rights for Brazil's Série D Championship, broadcast sponsorships, and advertising for the 2025 Supercopa, where Flamengo beat Botafogo 3-1 at Mangueirão stadium in Belém. He emphasized marketing campaigns to boost Master and Will Bank brands locally amid talks extending to September 2025.
The amounts were quickly passed to companies like Madison Gerenciamento, Sense Construções, and Macondo Construções, linked to Estevão or his family. Estevão argued such transfers are routine in business and that Madison manages Grupo Metrópoles resources. Banco Master did not respond to inquiries.
Daniel Vorcaro, now jailed on suspicion of a billion-dollar financial fraud, sought to sell Master to BRB, but the deal was blocked by the Central Bank. During proceedings, a publicity campaign targeted the BC, featuring Metrópoles LED panels displaying a photo of former director Renato Gomes, blamed for hindering the deal.
