STF validates sending Coaf data to the police without a court decision

The First Panel of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) decided to maintain this Tuesday (2) the sharing of intelligence data from the Financial Activities Control Council (Coaf) requested directly by the police, without a prior court decision. The collegiate unanimously endorsed the monocratic decision of minister Cristiano Zanin, rapporteur of the case.

In November last year, Zanin overturned an injunction from the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) that prevented the use of financial information in an investigation into money laundering. The STJ’s decision determined that the sharing of Coaf reports could only occur without judicial authorization on the initiative of the body itself, and not by police request, informed the Brazil Agency.

At the time, Zanin accepted an appeal presented by the Public Ministry of Pará (MP-PA). The minister maintained his decision in this afternoon’s session and was followed by ministers Luiz Fux, Flávio Dino, Cármen Lucia and Alexandre de Moraes.

According to the Court, the rapporteur highlighted that the STJ’s decision, in addition to hindering investigations and the measures necessary to prevent terrorism, organized crime and financial crimes, could have serious international law implications for Brazil.