Ex-Banco Master Owner Accused of Ordering Dossier Against Itaú CEO
The Federal Police (PF) in Brazil has launched an operation targeting publicist Thiago Miranda, who is allegedly linked to Daniel Vorcaro, the former owner of Banco Master. Messages obtained by the PF suggest that Vorcaro commissioned Miranda to create a dossier aimed at discrediting Itaú bank's CEO, Milton Maluhy Filho. This operation, the 10th phase of "Compliance Zero," involves search and seizure warrants executed against Miranda, founder of the MITI agency. The investigation indicates Miranda may have been part of a criminal organization associated with Grupo Master, which allegedly sought to intimidate journalists, competitors, and individuals connected to the Central Bank President, Gabriel Galípolo. The PF previously identified Miranda's involvement in "Project DV," named after Vorcaro, which aimed to use influencers to cast doubt on the Central Bank's liquidation process of Banco Master. Vorcaro has been detained since March 2026, reportedly financing criminal activities with funds from financial fraud schemes related to the bank. Investigators claim Miranda coordinated social media actions against individuals chosen by Vorcaro. The PF's findings include messages where Vorcaro asks Miranda for a "survey" on Milton Maluhy due to problems he was causing, with Miranda responding affirmatively. Personal and financial information of Maluhy and his wife, Camila, was allegedly shared, contained in a document titled "Família Maluhy - Relatório sobre Execução Fiscal." The organization is also accused of violating confidential data and monitoring journalists, such as Malu Gaspar of "O Globo," to prevent reporting on Banco Master's alleged scams. Miranda's defense asserts his professional conduct has always been legal and respectful, denying any criminal acts or intimidation. He faces potential charges including crimes against the financial system, criminal organization, obstruction of investigations, and violation of confidential data. "O Globo" newspaper condemned the alleged intrusion into Gaspar's life, stating the action aimed to silence the press and highlighted the group's modus operandi, which included prior threats against another columnist.
The investigation into Daniel Vorcaro and Thiago Miranda reveals a sophisticated attempt to leverage information and social media influence for corporate and personal vendettas. This case highlights the evolving landscape of corporate espionage and reputational warfare, where digital tactics are employed to exert pressure and potentially manipulate public perception. The alleged use of financial fraud proceeds to fund these operations underscores the interconnectedness of illicit financial activities and their extension into broader criminal enterprises. Future regulatory frameworks may need to address the convergence of financial crime, data privacy, and the weaponization of online influence, particularly concerning the protection of journalistic integrity and the stability of financial institutions.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.