Toffoli Faces Six Formal Complaints Over Handling of Master Case: Status of Each Action Revealed
- Why Is Toffoli Under Scrutiny?
- Breakdown of the Six Complaints
- Institutional and Public Reactions
- What’s Next?
- FAQs
Brazilian Supreme Court Minister Dias Toffoli’s handling of the high-profilehas sparked six formal complaints against him across multiple judicial and legislative bodies, including the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), the National Justice Council (CNJ), and the Federal Senate. The controversy stems from Toffoli’s unconventional legal decisions and alleged ties to individuals under investigation. Here’s a breakdown of each complaint and its current status.
Why Is Toffoli Under Scrutiny?
Since the Master financial group’s liquidation in November 2025, Toffoli’s role as rapporteur for the case has been questioned due to legally atypical rulings. Critics argue his decisions—like prematurely ordering confrontations between Master representatives and banking officials—deviate from standard judicial protocols. Additionally, his family’s sale of shares in the luxury resort Tayayá to Fabiano Zettel, brother-in-law of investigated banker Daniel Vorcaro, has raised conflict-of-interest concerns. Toffoli’s sister-in-law denies Zettel’s ownership stake, but the transaction, brokered by a company tied to Toffoli’s brother, remains under scrutiny.
Breakdown of the Six Complaints
Filed on December 12, 2025, by federal deputies Caroline de Toni (PL-SC), Carlos Jordy (PL-RJ), and Adriana Ventura (Novo-SP), this cited Toffoli’s 2025 trip to Peru with Augusto de Arruda Botelho, a lawyer for a Master director, to attend the Libertadores final. The PGR dismissed it on January 15, 2026, stating the matter was already under review by the Supreme Court.
The same deputies resubmitted a complaint on January 20, 2026, highlighting Toffoli’s family ties to Tayayá Resort. The PGR is currently reviewing this.
Senator Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE) echoed the deputies’ allegations in a January 23 filing, emphasizing “personal and patrimonial connections” between Toffoli and Compliance Zero Operation targets.
Ubiratan Sanderson (PL-RS) petitioned both the PGR and CNJ on January 22, alleging Toffoli’s Tayayá links violated the Organic Law of the Judiciary (Loman).
Girão, alongside Senators Damares Alves and Magno Malta, filed for Toffoli’s impeachment on January 23, citing “conflict of interest” and “atypical procedural acts.” The Senate’s legal team must assess it before President Davi Alcolumbre decides its fate.
Institutional and Public Reactions
STF President Edson Fachin publicly defended Toffoli, calling his conduct “regular” and deferring debates to post-recess court sessions. Meanwhile, the MBL (Free Brazil Movement) staged a January 22 protest outside Banco Master’s São Paulo headquarters, demanding Toffoli’s removal.
What’s Next?
With four suspension requests and one impeachment petition still pending, Toffoli’s fate hinges on rulings from the PGR, CNJ, and Senate. Legal analysts suggest the complaints could delay the Master Case’s resolution, already one of Brazil’s most complex financial fraud investigations.
FAQs
What is the Master Case?
The Master Case involves allegations of financial fraud linked to Banco Master, with investigations uncovering a web of illicit transactions and political connections.
Why are Toffoli’s Tayayá ties controversial?
The resort’s sale to a relative of an investigated banker suggests potential conflicts, given Toffoli’s oversight of the case.
Can the Senate actually impeach Toffoli?
Impeachment requires substantial evidence of misconduct. The Senate’s legal review will determine if the petition proceeds.
