Former Petrobras Director Paulo Roberto Costa was allowed to leave prison Monday (May 19) by a Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice, Teori Zavascki. He also ordered the release of the other suspects that are under investigation in connection with Operation Car Wash (Operação Lava Jato), carried out by the Federal Police. However, the Justice reconsidered the decision today (May 20), and ruled that 11 of the suspects should remain in prison, among whom Alberto Youssef. Roberto Costa is the only one allowed to remain at liberty. 

The Justices’s second ruling was announced to the Federal Court of Paraná as a response to a note issued by Judge Sérgio Moro warning that the prisoners might escape to another country in case they were released. 

Eight of the criminal cases filed by Moro on the allegations by Federal Police have been placed on hold, based on Zavascki's understanding that they must be submitted to the STF for consideration as they involve accusations against members of Congress. 

Alberto Youssef is cited as a member of an organization set up for money laundering purposes in six states and the Federal District. According to information from the Controlling Board on Financial Activities (COAF), the organization has carried out dealings in excess of $4.5 billion.