Fachin files investigation into pharmaceutical bribery to Renan and Eduardo Braga

Minister Edson Fachin, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), responded to the request of the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) and closed an investigation by Operation Lava Jato into suspected bribes to MDB politicians. The decision benefits the senators Renan Calheiros (AL) and Eduardo Braga (AM).

The investigation was opened following the testimony of executive Nelson Mello, former director of institutional relations at Hypermarcas, who stated that he had transferred money to politicians so that they could act in favor of the company’s interests between 2013 and 2015.

The Attorney General of the Republic, Paulo Gonet, concluded that there is no proof of the accusations and asked for the investigation to be closed. “There is no evidence to demonstrate that parliamentarians were the final recipients of the illicit advantages,” wrote Gonet in an opinion sent to the STF.

The attorney general’s position contradicts the Federal Police (PF), which, in September, indicted the senators for corruption, criminal organization and money laundering.

When the PGR requests archiving, it is customary for the STF ministers to close the investigation.

“The Attorney General’s Office argues that the investigation lacks other unexplored lines that could effectively contribute to the production of confirmatory evidence of the facts summarized above. As a result, given the manifest lack of interest from the Federal Public Ministry, it is unfeasible to continue the investigative path”, explained Fachin.

Former senator Romero Jucá (RR), lobbyist Milton Lyra and Nelson Mello himself are being investigated. The investigation was dismembered and, in relation to the three, which do not have jurisdiction due to their role, it will be up to the Federal District Court to decide whether there are elements to continue the investigation.