Moro takes Bolsonaro’s invitation to be justice minister

This Thursday (Nov. 1), Federal Judge Sergio Moro, who spearheads the probes under anti-graft crackdown Operation Car Wash, accepted the invitation from President-Elect Jair Bolsonaro to become justice minister. The announcement was made by Moro in a note. “After a personal meeting on policies for the ministry, I was honored to accept the invitation,” he stated.

Bolsonaro confirmed the appointment. “His agenda against corruption and organized crime, as well as his respect for the Constitution and the law will be our guide,” he wrote. On his social media, the president-elect announced the merger of the Ministries of Justice and Public Security.

Sergio Moro spent approximately an hour and a half with Bolsonaro. After the meeting he waved at the people convening outside his home, but did not talk to journalists.

The judge said he was sorry he was bringing his 22-year career as a judge to a halt. “However, the chance to implement a solid agenda against corruption and organized crime, with respect for the Constitution, the law, and the rights, led me to make this decision,” he said.

In his view, occupying the post means “consolidating the strides made against crime and corruption, and mitigating the risks of setbacks for a greater good.”

Operation Car Wash, Moro went on to argue, will continue in Curitiba. “In order to prevent unnecessary controversies, I must be away from new hearings, starting now,” he added.

Sergio Fernando Moro is also a university professor and a writer. A lawyer graduated from the State University of Maringá, he holds a master’s degree from the Federal University of Paraná. He has served as federal judge since 1996, and specializes in financial crimes.