Senator Jaques Wagner, the government leader in the Senate, was targeted in a search and seizure operation in the ninth phase of Operation Compliance Zero. The action investigates alleged irregularities involving Banco Master.
Wagner filed a request on Wednesday (17/6) for the Senate plenary to vote on the bill raising the minimum salary for doctors and dental surgeons to R$ 13,662. The text had been approved on a conclusive basis in the Social Affairs Committee.
The Federal Police operation took place on Thursday (18/6). Investigators are examining whether the senator acted in favor of Banco Master agendas in Congress, including expansion of payroll loans and the so-called Master Amendment. In return, they suspect he received benefits such as an apartment in Salvador valued at R$ 2.5 million.
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin stated on Saturday (20/6) that President Lula will handle the situation well and that the Federal Police has total independence. During an event in Minas Gerais on Friday (19/6), Lula gave a thumbs-up when asked about Wagner remaining in the leadership.