Brazil's federal police have opened an investigation into potential fraudulent management at state-run lender BRB BMFBOVESPA:BSLI3, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.
The probe deepens scrutiny of BRB following its failed attempt to acquire Banco Master, a deal blocked by the central bank in September.
The central bank later ordered Master's liquidation in November amid a liquidity crisis, and BRB executives were removed from their posts.
In a statement on Tuesday, BRB said it had submitted a preliminary audit report with "relevant findings" to the federal police and the central bank.
The lender added that it has taken a range of institutional, administrative, extrajudicial and legal measures to protect its interests, recover credits and assets, and seek compensation for losses.