Brazil’s Top Court Allows Police to Deepen Banco Master Probe

Brazil Supreme Court Justice Andre Mendonca broadened Federal Police access to a fraud investigation into Banco Master SA, effectively allowing authorities to deepen the probe that has rattled the country’s political and financial systems.

In a Thursday night ruling, Mendonca authorized Federal Police to carry out routine investigative procedures in the Master case, including the hearing of suspects and witnesses. He also eased confidentiality restrictions and allowed authorities to share documents related to the probe internally to expedite their work.

While Mendonca determined that police will need his authorization to open new investigative fronts, the decision will significantly ease ...