Federal Police arrested Paulo Henrique Costa, former Banco de Brasília (BRB) president, on Thursday (16) over a bribery scheme tied to Banco Master. This follows earlier investigation revelations, including a note suggesting Costa's efforts to save the bank through credit portfolio purchases amid potential R$5 billion losses for BRB. Costa allegedly received six properties worth R$146.5 million from Daniel Vorcaro to conceal irregularities. The arrest, authorized by STF's André Mendonça, led to transfer to Papuda prison.
Paulo Henrique Costa was arrested by Federal Police on Thursday morning in his Noroeste apartment in Brasília during the fourth phase of Operação Compliance Zero. The measure, authorized by STF Justice André Mendonça, the case's rapporteur, charges Costa with passive corruption and money laundering for his role in attempting to acquire Banco Master portfolios by BRB.
This development builds on prior probes, including a July 2024 note seized from BRB's former Control and Risks director indicating Costa ordered purchases to prevent Banco Master's collapse, and investigations into fraudulent R$12.2 billion portfolios potentially costing BRB up to R$5 billion.
Federal Public Prosecutor's investigations state Costa was essential to the deal and hid six properties — four in São Paulo and two in Brasília — received as bribe from Daniel Vorcaro, valued at R$146.5 million, of which about R$74.6 million have been paid. Cellphone dialogues reveal casual bribe negotiations and early knowledge of portfolio inconsistencies, with pressure for quick approvals.
Costa's defense, led by lawyer Cléber Lopes, denies wrongdoing and calls the arrest a judicial overreach. "The defense remains firm in the conviction that Paulo Henrique committed no crime," Lopes said, planning to appeal to STF's Second Panel, scheduled to judge prison maintenance on April 22-24.
Costa led BRB from 2019 to November 2025, appointed by Ibaneis Rocha (MDB), and has been under investigation since November 2025. An independent audit delivered to PF in April confirmed suspicions that operations were handled as the 'president's business'.
