✓ verbatim from the press
Cláudio Castro (PL), former governor of Rio de Janeiro, announced on Thursday (28) that he withdrew from the Senate race to focus on his defense after being targeted in Federal Police operations linked to the Master Bank case. The decision was communicated to PL party president Valdemar Costa Neto. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Cláudio Castro (PL), ex-governador do Rio de Janeiro, anunciou nesta quinta-feira (28) que desistiu de disputar a eleição ao Senado para focar em sua defesa após ser alvo de operações da Polícia Federal ligadas ao caso do Banco Master. A decisão já foi comunicada ao presidente do PL, Valdemar Costa Neto."
"These days have been very difficult. My family is going through moments I never imagined they would go through," Castro said in a video posted on social media. He called the withdrawal the "most difficult decision" of his life. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Esses dias estão sendo muito difíceis. Minha família está passando momentos que eu jamais imaginei que ia passar. Foram dias de dor, dias de exposição, dias de mentiras, dias de narrativas, que muito pior do que a mentira é a meia verdade", afirmou Castro, em um vídeo divulgado nas redes sociais."
Pressure on Castro increased with the eighth phase of Operation Compliance Zero, authorized by STF Justice André Mendonça. The investigation indicates Castro allegedly exercised political influence so that Rioprevidência would invest about R$ 3.6 billion in risky investments in Master Bank, according to the Federal Police. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O golpe mais recente contra a trajetória política de Castro veio com a oitava fase da Operação Compliance Zero, autorizada pelo ministro André Mendonça, do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF). A investigação aponta que Castro teria exercido influência política para que a Rioprevidência aplicasse cerca de R$ 3,6 bilhões em investimentos de risco no Banco Master."
Castro is also suspected of participating in a tax evasion scheme to benefit the Refit refinery in Operation Sem Refino. PF reports indicate that the state's public machinery allegedly became an "extension of Refit's business structure." Castro denied any irregularities and reaffirmed confidence in justice. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"A pressão sobre o ex-governador já havia se intensificado uma semana antes, com a Operação Sem Refino. Nesta investigação, Castro é suspeito de participar de um esquema de sonegação de impostos para beneficiar a refinaria Refit (antiga Manguinhos), cujo dono, Ricardo Magro, é considerado o maior devedor de impostos do país, com um passivo de R$ 52 bilhões."
Castro announced withdrawal from Senate candidacy on Thursday (28) to focus on defense
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (1)
Carlos Jordy and Sóstenes Cavalcante are competing for the spot left by Castro
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How many other candidates have already been affected by Operation Master in their candidacies?
Why it's still unknown: The expression 'brings down another one' suggests Castro is not the first, but sources do not map the complete pattern of withdrawals related to the operation.
Did not cover: Gazeta do Povo -
What is the current status of investigations against Castro - has a formal complaint been filed?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention that Castro is a 'target' and 'suspect' in investigations, but do not clarify whether there is already a complaint from the Public Prosecutor's Office or just an ongoing inquiry.
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Who will take Castro's place on the PL ticket for the Senate?
Why it's still unknown: UOL mentions a dispute between Carlos Jordy and Sóstenes Cavalcante, but the definition has not yet been officially announced by the party.
Did not cover: Gazeta do Povo