The Federal Police arrested banker Daniel Vorcaro on Wednesday (March 4) in the third phase of Operation Compliance Zero, investigating irregularities at Banco Master. The operation uncovered a criminal organization with four nuclei, including corruption of Central Bank employees and intimidation of adversaries. Two BC employees were removed and required to wear ankle monitors.
The third phase of Operation Compliance Zero, launched on March 4, 2026, led to the preventive arrest of Daniel Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master, and his brother-in-law Fabiano Zettel, by order of STF Minister André Mendonça. The PF identified four nuclei in the criminal organization led by Vorcaro: frauds against the financial system, institutional corruption, asset concealment and money laundering, and obstruction of justice with intimidation, including violent actions.
Vorcaro is accused of managing a scheme that caused nearly R$ 40 billion in losses to the financial market, with aggressive resource capture via high-risk CDBs. Intercepted messages show him directing assaults, such as 'breaking all teeth' of journalist Lauro Jardim in a simulated robbery. Luiz Phillipi Machado de Moraes, known as 'Sicário', coordinated the 'A Turma' group for surveillance and monitoring but attempted suicide in prison in Belo Horizonte and was declared brain dead by the PF.
Two Central Bank employees, Paulo Sérgio Neves de Souza (salary R$ 41,500) and Belline Santana (R$ 44,000), acted as informal consultants for Vorcaro in the Banking Supervision Department. They provided guidance, reviewed documents, and alerted on inspections, receiving payments through hidden structures, including a Disney trip paid by the banker. Both were removed, with passports seized and banned from accessing the BC.
Vorcaro's messages reveal ties to politicians: he called Ciro Nogueira (PP-PI) a 'great friend' and celebrated an amendment increasing FGC coverage to R$ 1 million, benefiting Master, though not approved. He also reported a meeting with Alexandre de Moraes in April 2025 and criticized Jair Bolsonaro for a post on bank frauds. Vorcaro's defense denies obstruction and claims cooperation with investigations.
Senators Magno Malta and Eduardo Girão requested enhanced security for Mendonça due to the organization's power. The case caused dismay at the BC, with concerns over credibility.
