Brazil's Workers' Party (PT) has formally requested that both the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and the Federal Police (PF) investigate whether the production of the film 'Dark Horse', a biopic about former president Jair Bolsonaro, involved illegal campaign financing for his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The PT's national directorate alleges that the film's funding may constitute 'caixa 2' (undeclared campaign funds) for Flávio's presidential bid, citing complex financial operations routed through foreign accounts. The request, filed on Wednesday, draws on reports by The Intercept Brasil that link Flávio Bolsonaro to a network of questionable transactions.

From Brasília, the PT's move is seen as a strategic escalation in the ongoing political battle, leveraging the judiciary to scrutinise the Bolsonaro family's financial dealings. The party's document points to 'indícios de desvio de finalidade e execução irregular de emendas parlamentares' (indications of misappropriation and irregular execution of parliamentary amendments), suggesting that public funds may have been diverted to support the film. Analysts in São Paulo note that the investigation could further strain the already tense relationship between the PT-led government and the Bolsonaro political clan, especially as Flávio positions himself for a potential presidential run.

Adding a layer of complexity, reports from UOL reveal that a single investment fund, Gold Style, has been linked to both the film's production and a fintech described as a 'parallel bank' for the criminal faction PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital). The fund was also used in transactions involving private, secret debentures with suspected irregularities. Gold Style is administered by Reag Trust, a firm implicated in a financial scheme orchestrated by Banco Master to defraud credit portfolios and inflate assets, according to Federal Police investigations. Banco Master was liquidated by the Central Bank in November, and Reag Trust in January.

Viewed from Washington, the intertwining of political campaigns, organised crime, and opaque financial networks raises concerns about governance and rule of law in Brazil. International observers are watching closely, as the case could have implications for Brazil's image abroad, particularly regarding anti-corruption efforts. The STF minister Flávio Dino now faces the decision of whether to open a formal investigation, a move that could unearth further connections between political financing and criminal enterprises. The outcome may shape the political landscape ahead of the next presidential election, with Flávio Bolsonaro's ambitions potentially hanging in the balance.