Brazil Election Season Strained by Dark Horse Financing, Court Rift and Local Killings

Overview

• Investigators say telephone records indicate Flávio Bolsonaro negotiated transfers above R$130 million with banker Daniel Vorcaro for financing the 'Dark Horse' film, with about R$61 million reportedly disbursed.
• STF minister André Mendonça opened an inquiry into leaks involving Fábio Luís 'Lulinha', directing investigators to target suspected public‑sector leaks rather than journalists.
• The Tribunal Superior Eleitoral is divided over regulating AI deepfakes for campaigns after a majority opposed validating simulated avatars and President Kassio Nunes Marques removed the issue from the agenda.
• Flávio Bolsonaro intensified outreach to business leaders in São Paulo while state Quaest polls published this week show him leading first‑round voting intention in several states, altering regional campaign dynamics.
• Police investigations advanced on two recent killings: in Itapevi authorities say the shooting of a campaign driver was likely tied to debt collection, and in Salvador six people were charged after an organized‑supporter attack left a man dead.