The STF's decision revives doubts about the validity of the "Lava Jato" operation in Brazil.

The recent decision by Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF), which upheld the annulment of all acts related to "Operation Car Wash" against Marcelo Odebrecht, has reignited the debate over the validity of other judicial processes connected to the largest corruption scandal in the country's history. This ruling, made during a session of the court's 2nd Chamber, has raised concerns among legal experts, who warn that the repercussions could extend beyond the Odebrecht case, potentially invalidating numerous investigations carried out in Curitiba. The main focus of this decision is the alleged collusion between former judge Sergio Moro and the Federal Public Ministry (MPF). For other cases to be affected, it will be necessary for those involved to demonstrate that they were also subject to this collusion. According to lawyer Nabor Bulhões, who has defended Odebrecht, this possibility of extension is real and could lead to the annulment of other processes if sufficient evidence supporting the theory of collusion is presented. In this context, criminal lawyer Alberto Zacharias Toron recalls a previous case that reinforces this idea. In April of this year, former president of Banco do Brasil, Aldemir Bendine, succeeded in having his conviction in "Operation Car Wash" annulled due to evidence obtained improperly. Just as seen in Bendine's case, it could be expected that other investigated parties will follow this path if the same irregularity is proven. The decision by the STF's 2nd Chamber has been interpreted by some legal scholars as a significant defeat for "Operation Car Wash." Columnist Lenio Streck has described this determination as a blow to the credibility of the operation, which was viewed as a stronghold in the fight against corruption in Brazil since its inception. The annulment of Moro's actions and the task force linked to "Operation Car Wash" represents a drastic shift in the narrative of what was considered one of the most successful crusades against corruption in the country. On the other hand, not all experts agree that this decision will have broader effects. Lawyer Conrado Gontijo argues that, although the trend is for cases to be blocked due to the elimination of illicit evidence, this should not necessarily impact other processes. For Gontijo, if the improperly obtained evidence is removed, what remains is a probative void that complicates any valid accusation against Odebrecht or any other involved party. The situation has been further complicated by the recent response from the Attorney General's Office (PGR) to the STF, which argued that there should not be an extension of the decision in the Odebrecht case, as there was not enough of a connection between his situation and that of other investigated parties, such as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. However, the STF, led by Minister Dias Toffoli, determined otherwise, suggesting that the prospect of further annulments of evidence remains possible. This situation has led many to question the integrity of the investigations carried out during "Operation Car Wash." Against the backdrop of collusion and irregularities in the gathering of evidence, Brazil finds itself at a crossroads, where public trust in the judicial system could be seriously compromised. Meanwhile, the STF's 2nd Chamber has requested that the competent courts evaluate each case individually to determine its validity. This decision has created an atmosphere of uncertainty, where it is unclear how many other cases might be impacted in the future. The legal community, experts, and observers are closely following the developments of this matter, which has the potential to reshape the judicial landscape in Brazil. What was once seen as a firm movement against corruption now faces legal challenges that could dismantle much of its legacy, leaving society questioning the effectiveness and fairness of the system established to combat corruption. If this trend continues, "Operation Car Wash" may be remembered not only for its ambition to cleanse the system but also for the deep flaws that have emerged in its process, potentially changing the way corruption investigations are conducted in Brazil in the future. In this climate of judicial reexamination, the country is facing a moral and legal crossroads that requires deep reflection on how to move forward in the fight against corruption.