PF hears ex-partner of Vorcaro about Master-BRB business

The Federal Police hears on Friday (16) the banker Augusto Ferreira Lima, former partner of Vorcaro, about the business between the extinct Banco Master and the Banco de Brasília (BRB). The testimony takes place at the Superintendence of the Federal Reserve, in Brasilia, and is part of the investigation that investigates alleged irregularities in the proposal to buy the Banco Master by BRB. Augusto Lima is pointed out by investigators as one of Vorcaro’s connections in the negotiations to convince BRB to buy Master wallets.

The banker testified in the morning and returned to the Superintendence after lunch to continue the hearing. PF had already informed that it would open a new phase of testimonies on the business between the two institutions. Augusto Lima’s testimony was initially scheduled for August, but was postponed at the request of the defense. At the time, the new date of the hearing had not yet been disclosed.

Investigation finds purchase of wallets and bank

The investigations are based, among other elements, on conversations found on Vorcaro's cell phone. According to investigators, the messages show negotiations to convince BRB to close the purchase of Master wallets and, subsequently, of the bank itself. The calculation also involves the purchase by BRB of Banco Master wallets. According to the investigations of PF, Augusto Lima acted to have the bank of Brasilia acquire these portfolios.

PF has already made other statements in the investigation that finds alleged irregularities in the proposal to buy the Banco Master by BRB. In January, investigators heard from leaders and former partners of the institutions. This Friday’s hearing is another step in the collection of testimonies about the negotiations between the two financial institutions.

Who is Augusto Lima

Augusto Lima was a controller of Banco Pleno and a former partner of Vorcaro. He was also CEO of Banco Master. The banker was arrested by the Federal Police in November 2025, at Operação Compliance Zero. Later, he was released and went on to wear electronic anklet.

In June, when it was the target of a new phase of the Operação Compliance Zero, the defense of Augusto Lima said that he was available to the authorities to provide clarification and said that the facts investigated at that phase were lawful. The defense did not comment on Friday's testimony until the publication of this article.

Context of research

Operação Compliance Zero investigates alleged irregularities in the proposed purchase of Banco Master by BRB. The transaction involved the acquisition of credit portfolios and, subsequently, the negotiation for the purchase of control of the bank. The conversations found on Vorcaro’s cell phone are considered key pieces to understand the role of each involved in the negotiations.

BRB is a public bank controlled by the Government of the Federal District. The possible acquisition of Banco Master raised questions about governance and the risks involved. The PF investigates whether there was favour or irregularities in the negotiation process.

Next steps

The Federal Police are expected to continue to hear from others involved in the coming weeks. The investigation does not yet have a deadline to be completed. The testimony of Augusto Lima may bring new elements about the role of Vorcaro and other partners in the negotiations with BRB.

The Boca no Trombone portal continues to monitor the case and will bring new information as soon as it is released by the authorities.

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