Opposition sees government exposed with Jaques; allies defend senator
Senator Jaques Wagner (PT-BA) was the target, this Thursday morning (18), of Operation Compliance Zero, carried out by the PF (Federal Police). The crimes of passive corruption, active corruption and money laundering are investigated.
18 search and seizure warrants issued by the STF (Supreme Federal Court) are being executed in Bahia, São Paulo and the Federal District.
In the decision of Minister André Mendonça, of the STF (Supreme Federal Court), Jaques is identified by the PF as "the alleged central beneficiary of the economic advantages investigated, appearing as a public agent in favor of whom payments, benefits and asset acquisitions were structured".
Opposition parliamentarians and government allies reported on the operation on their social networks.
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) commented that the "PT of Bahia was imploded by the Federal Police" during an event in São Paulo. Earlier, the pre-candidate for Planalto had already spoken out on X.
The scandal involving the PT is like the incompetence of the Lula government: there is no way to hide it.
CPMI from Banco Master now! #PTMaster pic.twitter.com/brF80igVIs
- Flávio Bolsonaro (@FlavioBolsonaro) June 18, 2026
The leader of the PL (Liberal Party) in the Chamber of Deputies, Sóstenes Cavalcanti (RJ), accused the PT (Workers' Party) of "muddying others with its own mud".
The house fell in PT's backyard.
The Federal Police launched an operation today against Jaques Wagner, the leader of the Lula government in the Senate.
And it's no coincidence: Banco Master was born from Credcesta, which came from Cesta do Povo, the state-owned company privatized by Wagner himself in Bahia. The crib...
- Sóstenes Cavalcante (@DepSostenes) June 18, 2026
Another parliamentarian who echoed the operation was federal deputy Carlos Jordy (PL-RJ), who stated that he had already "warned" about Jaques Wagner. "Take care that the son is yours, Lula!", he said.
I had already warned and the PT members said it was my lie. Master's fraud is from PT da Bahia. Lula's government leader received an apartment and other gifts to benefit the bank. Take it, the son is yours, lula! pic.twitter.com/JEFiuWWdFm
- Carlos Jordy (@carlosjordy) June 18, 2026
On the other hand, the national president of the PT, Edinho Silva, stated that Jaques is the "repository" of all the party's "trust" and will have his innocence proven.
"In this investigation and investigation process, we are confident that Jaques Wagner will clarify all the facts, proving his innocence", said Edinho in a statement.
Senator Fabiano Contrarato (PT-ES) expressed solidarity and said he has a "true friendship" with Jaques.
I am a neophyte in politics and, if it has brought me challenges and learning, it has also given me something very valuable: true friendships. Among them, that of Jaques Wagner.
In these almost eight years of walking alongside you, I learned to admire not only public figures, but, above all, beings...
- Fabiano Contarato (@ContaratoSenado) June 18, 2026
Federal deputy Orlando Silva (PCdoB-BA) came to Jaques' defense. "There was no attempt to interfere, the investigation continues and those investigated will have the right to full defense guaranteed by the Constitution."
Which demonstrates the REPUBLICAN treatment of the PF by the Lula government. There was no attempt to interfere, the investigation continues and those investigated will have the right to full defense guaranteed by the Constitution. https://t.co/8CYJymipI3
- Orlando Silva (@orlandosilva) June 18, 2026
PT supporters defend Wagner, but fear the impact on Lula | LIVE CNN
Source: CNN