Daniel Vorcaro’s brother-in-law is arrested by the PF in a new phase of the operation on Banco Master

This Wednesday, March 4, Polícia Federal arrested Fabiano Campos Zettel, brother-in-law of Daniel Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master. The arrest took place in São Paulo and marks a new stage in Operação Compliance Zero, which investigates a complex scheme of financial fraud and other crimes. Zettel, who had already been the target of a previous arrest in January, is named as a central figure in the investigations.

The investigation targets a large criminal organization, suspected of operating on several illicit fronts with the aim of moving large sums. The PF’s action seeks to dismantle this structure and collect more evidence about fraudulent activities.

The crimes underlying this phase of the operation include:
– Ameaça
– Corrupção
– Lavagem of money
– Invasão of computing devices

The arrests and other precautionary measures were authorized by minister André Mendonça, of the Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), responsible for reporting the case since the previous month. The operation highlights the continuity of the authorities’ efforts to combat financial crime in the country.

Unraveling the Operação Compliance Zero

The name “Compliance Essa gap in internal supervision is a crucial point in the investigation, indicating that fraud may have thrived due to the lack of security barriers.

The investigations point to an intricate scheme that would involve the sale of credit securities considered false by Banco Master. Esses securities would have been sold irregularly, generating losses and raising questions about the integrity of the financial institution’s operations.

Polícia Federal relied on technical and investigative support from Banco Central and Brasil to deepen the understanding of suspicious financial transactions. Collaboration between institutions is essential to unveil complex frauds that affect the banking system and the economy as a whole.

Previous arrests and evasion attempts

Fabiano Zettel had already been arrested in January of this same year. On that occasion, the businessman was arrested by Polícia Federal on Aeroporto Internacional of São Paulo, on

The arrest of Zettel followed the arrest of Daniel Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master, which occurred in November of the previous year. Vorcaro was arrested when he attempted to board a private plane to Europa, also departing from Guarulhos, with authorities indicating that there was clear evidence of an attempt to escape the country.

The two previous arrests reinforce the authorities’ perception that those being investigated were trying to leave Brasil to avoid the consequences of the investigations. Surveillance at airports has been a strategic tool to prevent the evasion of individuals with outstanding arrest warrants.

Daniel Vorcaro’s brother-in-law’s profile

Fabiano Sua professional career includes success in several brands in the food chain sector.

The businessman also stands out for owning a luxury gym, diversifying his investments and his presence in the market. Seu involvement with different sectors of entrepreneurship demonstrates an ability to act in various economic areas.

Zettel gained public notability due to his significant donations to election campaigns. Ele was one of the biggest donors to the campaigns of former president Jair Bolsonaro, with a contribution of R$3 million, and of the governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio of Essas high-value donations underline his influence and connections in political spheres.

Lawsuits and the billionaire blocking of assets

The current phase of Operação Compliance Zero was not limited to the arrest of Fabiano Zettel. The authorities also issued two other preventive arrest warrants and fifteen search and seizure warrants. Estas actions were carried out simultaneously at addresses located in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais.

In addition to the arrests and searches, the Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) ordered a series of strict precautionary measures. Entre include orders to remove public positions from those involved who may hold them, in order to avoid any type of interference in the investigations.

One of the most impactful actions was the seizure and blocking of assets, the amount of which could reach an impressive R$22 billion. Essa measure aims to interrupt the movement of any financial assets linked to the investigated group, preventing the resources from being dissipated or used in new illicit activities.

The billion-dollar blockade’s primary objective is to preserve values ​​that, according to investigations, may be directly related to the criminal practices found. The magnitude of the value reflects the dimension of the fraudulent scheme that Polícia Federal and Banco Central seek to uncover and curb in its entirety.

The impasse in the organized crime CPI

Daniel Vorcaro, the owner of Banco Master, was expected to testify at the CPI of Crime Organizado, in Brasília, precisely this same Wednesday. Contudo, even before the date, the banker had already signaled his intention to only attend Comissão of Assuntos Econômicos (CAE) of Senado Federal, in a move that indicated a defense strategy.

The expectation of his testimony at the CPI generated discussions about the extent of the power of parliamentary commissions of inquiry and the obligation for those under investigation to appear. Minister André Mendonça’s decision, issued the previous Tuesday, made Vorcaro’s visit to the CPI optional, changing the scenario envisaged in the legislature.

The relevance of regulatory compliance

Operação Compliance Zero and the investigations into Banco Master highlight the vital importance of regulatory compliance and corporate governance in the financial system. The absence or fragility of internal control mechanisms can open the door to complex fraud schemes, which not only harm investors and the public treasury, but also undermine confidence in the stability and integrity of banking institutions. Constant and rigorous supervision by bodies such as Banco Central and the actions of Polícia Federal are essential pillars to ensure a transparent and safe financial environment for all market participants, protecting the economy from illicit practices and maintaining the sector’s credibility in society and on the international stage.

Next steps in the investigation

Authorities indicate that Operação Compliance Zero should continue with new phases and developments, as more information and evidence is collected. The expectation is that the investigation will further detail the contours of the criminal scheme and identify everyone involved, seeking full accountability for the illicit acts discovered so far.