Leaked audio messages and bank records have revealed a $24 million (134 million reais) deal between Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and former banker Daniel Vorcaro to finance a biopic about former President Jair Bolsonaro, according to an investigation by Intercept Brasil.
The leak comes as Federal Police investigate whether the funds, ostensibly for the film "Dark Horse," were used to camouflage illicit transfers or finance political activities. Vorcaro, the former owner of Banco Master, was arrested in late 2025 in a separate federal operation.
THE DEAL
Documents show that at least $10.6 million (61 million reais) was transferred in six installments between February and May 2025. In audio messages, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro — the eldest son of the former president and current pre-candidate for the presidency of the republic — is heard calling Vorcaro "brother" and pressuring him for payments to "honor commitments" related to the film's production.
"Brother, I am and will always be with you, there is no half-talk between us," Flávio wrote to Vorcaro just one day before the banker’s arrest. "I just need you to give me a light!"
CONTRADICTORY CLAIMS
The leak has sparked a wave of denials and conflicting statements within the Bolsonaro circle:
• Flávio Bolsonaro: Confirmed asking Vorcaro for "private sponsorship" for a "private film about his father's history." He claimed 100% of the money was invested in the movie but cited confidentiality clauses for his previous silence on the matter.
• The Production Company: GOUP Entertainment issued a statement denying they received a "single cent" from Vorcaro or Banco Master, claiming the funding came from over a dozen other anonymous investors who fear "political persecution."
• Mário Frias: The former Culture Secretary and executive producer of the film initially denied Vorcaro’s involvement but later admitted a partnership with "Entre Investimentos," a firm linked to Vorcaro’s business interests.
FEDERAL PROBE
The Federal Police are now tracing the money trail. Investigators suspect that approximately $2 million was diverted to a Texas-based fund, Havengate Development Fund LP, managed by a legal associate of the senator’s brother, Eduardo Bolsonaro. Authorities are looking into whether the funds were used to cover Eduardo’s personal expenses in the United States.
Flávio Bolsonaro has denied any mismanagement, dismissing the allegations as political attacks. "It was a son looking for sponsorship," he told local media, defending the legality of the private investment.
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