STF Turmoil: Minister Zanin Orders Access to Vorcaro's Phone Amidst Dispute With Mendonça and Moraes

On September 13, 2026, Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister Cristiano Zanin ordered the Federal Police to grant full access to the contents of banker Daniel Vorcaro's cell phone, demanding the data be delivered to his office by 11 PM the same day. This directive intensified a rare confrontation within the STF involving ministers André Mendonça and Alexandre de Moraes, all set against ongoing investigations into Vorcaro's Banco Master.

Zanin stressed the principle that "there is no hierarchy among the ministers of the STF" and underlined that accessing Vorcaro's phone data was crucial for his forthcoming judgment, regardless of potential wider implications. This ruling contrasts with Mendonça's opposition, as he cautioned that releasing the phone's content might complicate the September 15 session focused on Moraes, a critical meeting that currently lacks a set agenda requiring such analysis. The Federal Police confirmed their capability to produce and confidentially transfer the extracted data per STF President Edson Fachin's previous order.

In a parallel political-judicial development, Cláudio Castro (PL) revealed that he contacted Mendonça nearly a year ago to verify judicial constraints surrounding former governor Sérgio Cabral's incarceration. The inquiry occurred 17 days before Mendonça voted in favor of Cabral's release in the STF. Mendonça provided Castro with access to the case documents, revealing other judicial rulings that kept Cabral detained. Castro denied any intent to influence the judgment, and Mendonça's office affirmed no discussions took place on the case merits, with Mendonça relying solely on legal documents. Meanwhile, Cabral's legal defense stated no knowledge of this episode.

These judicial episodes highlight significant strains and complex dynamics within Brazil's highest court involving key ministers and politically sensitive cases. The escalating tensions center on critical questions about judicial protocol, the handling of evidence, and ministerial independence, underscoring the ongoing challenges in Brazil's justice system.