Tape shows Bolsonaro son asking jailed banker for $26.8m to fund film on father
The Guardian • • world
Key Points:
- Flávio Bolsonaro, a leading rightwing presidential candidate in Brazil, was recorded requesting $26.8 million from jailed banker Daniel Vorcaro, accused of major banking fraud, to fund a biopic about his father, former president Jair Bolsonaro.
- The leaked messages, published by Intercept Brasil and confirmed by Flávio, have caused significant backlash, even among Bolsonaro’s political allies, damaging his anti-establishment image ahead of the October election.
- Vorcaro, implicated in a massive corruption scandal involving billions in losses and bribes, denied allegations and is awaiting trial, while Flávio initially denied but later admitted seeking private sponsorship for the film.
- Reports suggest at least $12 million may have been transferred to an intermediary, raising questions about the unusually high budget for a Brazilian film and the ultimate destination of the funds, as the production company denies receiving money from Vorcaro.
- The scandal adds to ongoing turmoil involving Bolsonaro associates, including accusations of bribes to former cabinet members, further complicating the political landscape ahead of the presidential race.