Judge Moro upholds criminal charges against Cunha's wife.

247 - Federal Judge Sérgio Moro denied a request made by the defense of journalist Cláudia Cruz, wife of suspended congressman and former Speaker of the House Eduardo Cunha (PMDB-RJ), to suspend the criminal proceedings against her for the crimes of currency evasion and money laundering of more than US$1 million. The money was allegedly received by Cunha in the Petrobras corruption scheme investigated by Operation Lava Jato.

"There is no point in seeking access to the entirety of the investigation process carried out in Switzerland in order to question its validity before Brazilian courts," Moro emphasized in his decision. The magistrate also stated that if the journalist wished to question the investigation sent to Brazil by the Swiss authorities, she should do so by challenging the matter in Switzerland.

Moro also denied placing the case under seal, but allowed the defense to indicate which documents and personal data it wishes to be kept secret. The judge also denied that there is any kind of obstruction of the defense and rejected the request to consider the evidence provided by Switzerland illegal.