Flávio Bolsonaro Sought $26.8 Million From Jailed Banker for Father’s Biopic

11 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 14

Leaked voice memos and texts show Flávio Bolsonaro asking banker Daniel Vorcaro for R$134 million to finance a “heroic” film about Jair Bolsonaro, and the senator later acknowledged making the request.
The messages pressed for money to pay actor Jim Caviezel and director Cyrus Nowrasteh, even though Vorcaro was already facing widely known accusations in a banking fraud case with estimated losses of R$60 billion.
The disclosure quickly became the sharpest setback of Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential bid, drawing criticism from allies on the right, including Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema, while one conservative lawmaker floated Michelle Bolsonaro as a replacement.
Questions also widened over the money trail: Flávio did not say whether funds were received, producers denied taking Vorcaro money, but O Globo reported at least $12 million was paid and tax documents indicate part was transferred to an intermediary.
The scandal deepens pressure on the Bolsonaro camp ahead of October’s election, with Flávio running as his father’s stand-in while Jair Bolsonaro remains under house arrest after his conviction over an attempted coup.

Did a secret film deal with a fraudster just seal the fate of Brazil's presidential election?

A movie deal, a jailed banker, and a presidential run. What is the real story behind this alliance?