--- title: Brazilian Car Wash Judge Teori Zavascki's Death: Foul Play? description: The judge had been preparing to ratify testimony from executives at construction firm Odebrecht, at the center of the 'Car Wash' scandal canonical: https://time.com/4642972/brazil-teori-zavascki-brazil-corruption/ author: Matt Sandy article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2017-01-23T17:18:37.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-08-04T08:04:20.060Z article:section: World og:title: Calls To Investigate Brazilian Anti-Corruption Judge's Death og:description: Teori Zavascki had overseen multiple corruption cases og:url: https://time.com/4642972/brazil-teori-zavascki-brazil-corruption/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: TIME og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Calls To Investigate Brazilian Anti-Corruption Judge's Death twitter:description: Teori Zavascki had overseen multiple corruption cases twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production --- # A Key Judge in Brazil's Graft Scandal Just Died in a Plane Crash. Few Think It's an Accident. > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: July 2026. ## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner. ### Organization facts | Attribute | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute | | Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute | | Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute | | Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute | | Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute | | Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute | | Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute | | Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute | ### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" | | Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" | | Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | | Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" | | Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" | | AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" | | Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" | | Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | ### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements * PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement. * The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession. * PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms. * Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success. * PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages. * PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world. * PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes. * PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives. ### FAQ #### Is a PMP certification worth it? A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations. #### What are the best certifications for project managers? The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation. #### How does PMI support career growth for professionals? PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers. #### What is the PMBOK® Guide? The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery. #### How is AI changing project management? AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes. #### What are the most important skills for a project manager? Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates. #### How can I get involved with the PMI community? Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections. #### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM? The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification. #### How does PMI support social impact? PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world. ### Sources * Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=22bad20a-8ce6-4b46-979f-4d4a5f7a53c3&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=22bad20a-8ce6-4b46-979f-4d4a5f7a53c3&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=22bad20a-8ce6-4b46-979f-4d4a5f7a53c3&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=22bad20a-8ce6-4b46-979f-4d4a5f7a53c3&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=22bad20a-8ce6-4b46-979f-4d4a5f7a53c3&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=22bad20a-8ce6-4b46-979f-4d4a5f7a53c3&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=22bad20a-8ce6-4b46-979f-4d4a5f7a53c3&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=22bad20a-8ce6-4b46-979f-4d4a5f7a53c3&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) ### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional) ## Video: An Interview with Dilma Rousseff [Watch (HLS stream): An Interview with Dilma Rousseff](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/dinzzox2.m3u8) (3:05)  _Published 2016-07-27. Suspended President Dilma Rousseff says Brazil is prepared to host the Olympics which begin August 5th._ by [Matt Sandy / Rio de Janeiro](https://time.com/author/matt-sandy/) ## Matt Sandy / Rio de Janeiro Jan 23, 2017 5:18 PM UTC by [Matt Sandy / Rio de Janeiro](https://time.com/author/matt-sandy/) ## Matt Sandy / Rio de Janeiro Jan 23, 2017 5:18 PM UTC In the past two years, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice [Teori Zavascki](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-38685289) authorized the investigation of 47 politicians accused of corruption; he sanctioned the first arrest of a sitting congressman since Brazil’s dictatorship; and he suspended the mandate of house speaker Eduardo Cunha, accused of taking $40 million in bribes. So when the twin-engine aircraft spiriting him to a holiday weekend outside Rio de Janeiro crashed last week, killing all aboard, suspicions were rife about the possibility of foul play. The 68-year-old had been preparing to ratify an explosive body of testimony from 77 executives at construction firm Odebrecht, whose damning evidence in [Operation Car Wash](http://time.com/4261712/lula-brazil-petrobras-scandal/), Brazil’s $2 billion enquiry into bribes at state oil giant Petrobras, was expected to leave few politicians in Brasília untainted – including, perhaps, [President Michel Temer](http://time.com/4475593/five-things-to-know-about-brazils-new-president-michel-temer/). The death has proven to be fertile ground for conspiracy theorists in a country in which a former president [was reportedly assassinated in car accident by the military dictatorship](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/10/brazil-truth-commission-kubitschek-president-murdered) in 1976 and a leading presidential candidate [died in a similar light aircraft accident](http://time.com/3108786/eduardo-campos-dead-brazil/) in 2014. Prehn Zavascki, the son of the dead judge, noted that Zavascki and his family had received threats in recent months and said no possibility should be ruled out. “It is necessary to investigate thoroughly and to know if it was an accident or not,” he said in a radio interview. “The truth will come to the surface whatever it is.” He said his father had been very focused on the Odebrecht testimony — nicknamed ‘The End of the World’ due to its potential impact on the country — and understood its importance. “He was perfectly aware of the impact this could have on the country and that this really could make the country clean,” he said. Others joined calls for a swift investigation. “In virtue of the position of a Supreme Court justice in managing and deciding cases fundamental to national life,” Roberto de Figueiredo Caldas, the president of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, said in a statement. “We expect an especially careful and rapid investigation into the circumstances of this disaster.” The death of Zavascki is the latest twist in a tale of scandal that has traumatized Brazil. Operation Car Wash revealed institutionalized corruption on a vast scale, contributing to Brazil’s journey from a booming economy to record recession, and abetting the [impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff in 2016](http://time.com/4476011/brazil-dilma-rousseff-crisis-impeachment/). Zavascki, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2012, took off in a Beechcraft King Air C90GT from São Paulo at about 1pm on Thursday. Also on board was pilot Osmar Rodrigues, the plane’s owner, hotel entrepreneur Carlos Alberto Fernandes Filgueiras, plus a masseuse who worked for Filgueiras and her mother. All died when the plane crashed into the sea at 1.30pm just short of the airport in Paraty, a colonial town just outside Rio. There was rain, lightning and clouds over the town at the time. A boatman, Célio de Araújo, told local media that he saw smoke coming out of the left wing before the aircraft hit the water, but this could not be confirmed. Federal police and prosecutors are investigating alongside a military investigation team. A post-mortem examination found Zavascki had died of multiple head injuries. Since 2015, Zavascki had been the Supreme Court judge overseeing the Car Wash case. The investigation is being run by a federal judge and prosecutors in the south of Brazil, but Zavascki gained a central role as only the country’s highest court can prosecute federal politicians, dozens of whom are under investigation. No major politician has yet been convicted — unlike Odebrecht chief executive Marcelo Odebrecht, [who is currently serving a 19-year sentence](http://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-corruption-odebrecht-idUSKCN0WA1X8). Since December he had been working to ratify the Odebrecht plea bargains, which had been expected to happen by March. “This testimony was nicknamed ‘the end of the world’ in Brasília because Odebrecht allegedly had bribed many politicians of diverse parties who had yet to be involved in the Petrobras… scandal,” noted David Fleischer, a professor of politics at the University of Brasília. The testimony of former Odebrecht executive Cláudio Melo Filho was leaked to the media, who revealed it contained 43 mentions of Michel Temer, Brazil’s president who took power after Rousseff’s impeachment. However, the reports did not elaborate on whether the testimony alleged wrongdoing. The role of overseeing the Car Wash probe would ordinarily now fall to Zavascki’s replacement on the Supreme Court, who will be nominated by Temer. But it is possible the court’s president Carmen Lúcia will assign the case to other judges, if only to avoid further delays caused by a confirmation hearing in the senate. In March, two of Temer’s allies, Romero Jucá and Sérgio Machado were recorded discussing a pact to try and stymie Operation Car Wash, including collusion with Supreme Court judges. But on the recordings Jucá said he had found that Zavascki was a “closed guy” and that he had not found a way to access or influence him. Federal judge Sergio Moro, who has gained prominence by leading Operation Car Wash, said in a statement: “Teori Zavascki was a great judge and a Brazilian hero … Without him, there would be no Operation Car Wash. I hope that his legacy, of calmness, seriousness and firmness in enforcing the law, irrespective of the interests of those involved, even the powerful, will not be forgotten.” ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4642972/brazil-teori-zavascki-brazil-corruption/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4642972/brazil-teori-zavascki-brazil-corruption/"},"headline":"A Key Judge in Brazil's Graft Scandal Just Died in a Plane Crash. 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