Photo of Gonet and Vorcaro in London Sparks Debate at the STF

The photo released by the Federal Police, sent by attorney Ciro Soares, shows Paulo Gonet holding a cigar next to Daniel Vorcaro in London during an event in April 2024. The record resurfaced after the Federal Police report was made public by Justice André Mendonça at the STF.

Origin of the image and disclosure context

According to the newspaper O Globo, Soares forwarded the photograph to Vorcaro on June 19, 2025, accompanied by the message “PG sent it to me.” The initials refer to Paulo Gonet. The press office of the Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed the authenticity of the photo but did not comment on its contents.

What Gonet says about the meeting

In a statement sent to the Higher Council of the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office, Gonet stated that he has “no friendly relationship whatsoever” with Vorcaro and that their only in-person contact occurred in April 2024, during a public legal forum in London attended by several authorities. He described the encounter as “banal” and denied any personal interest in proceedings in which Vorcaro is a party or under investigation.

Repercussions at the Supreme Federal Court

The Federal Police report, released by Justice André Mendonça, included the photo and excerpts of messages referencing Gonet. During the trial, Mendonça highlighted the difference between the messages found and other exchanges Vorcaro had with authorities, without making any value judgment regarding the prosecutor general. The session was adjourned after Justice Flávio Dino requested a review of the case.

Gonet's defense against claims of bias

In a 30-page document obtained by CNN Brasil, Gonet reiterated that the law requires authorization from the full bench of the STF to investigate a member of the Court and that the nullity of the Federal Police document is justified by the lack of a prior request from the Public Prosecutor's Office or the PF. He described the allegations as “groundless and absurd” and called for any claim of bias or disqualification to be dismissed.

Other details revealed in the messages

The conversations seized by the Federal Police indicate that Gonet allegedly expressed interest in smoking cigars and drinking Macallan whisky with Vorcaro in London, and that attorney Soares allegedly intervened to have Vorcaro pay for a trip for Gonet's son. The exchanges also include messages in which Gonet expresses “missing” Vorcaro and “rooting” for him, as well as an intention to travel to Rome.

With information from O GLOBO, Metrópoles, CNN Brasil.