Seven months after installation, the INSS CPMI stalls in probing R$4 billion fraud against retirees. The commission appealed to the STF for extension after Congress denial. Figures like Frei Chico and Lulinha remain unclarified.
The CPMI do INSS, installed in August to investigate fraud against retirees uncovered by the Federal Police, faces a deadline next Tuesday. The scheme involved associations and unions fraudulently registering retirees, deducting unauthorized monthly fees from the elderly, and paying bribes to public officials, led by lobbyist Antônio Carlos Camilo Antunes, known as Careca do INSS. Though it deepened some lines of inquiry, the commission yielded few new results—mostly known prior to its creation—according to Veja's April 5, 2024, report estimating a R$4 billion hole with bribery and undue fees accusations. Progress stalled on links to José Ferreira da Silva, Frei Chico, Lula's brother and Sindnapi vice-president; Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, Lulinha; lawyer Paulo Boudens, ex-aide to Davi Alcolumbre, who received R$3 million from a Careca-linked firm without explanation; and Senator Weverton Rocha (PDT-MA), who hosted the lobbyist at home and office, used his private jet, and placed godchildren in key Previdência Ministry posts. Payroll loan frauds also remained unprobed. Lawmakers sought extension from the Congress president, denied, and appealed to the STF, with decision pending Minister André Mendonça. Deputy Marcel Van Hattem (Novo-RS) stated: “Parece que o STF quer matar essa CPMI de inanição. Cada depoente que o tribunal barra de vir aqui é mais uma oportunidade perdida de investigar a roubalheira do INSS” (It seems the STF wants to kill this CPMI by starvation. Every witness blocked by the court is a lost chance to probe INSS theft). Rapporteur Alfredo Gaspar (União-AL) said: “É uma questão de necessidade prorrogar a CPMI do INSS. Vejo muitas forças contrárias para a prorrogação, o que por si só mostra a seriedade do trabalho da comissão” (It's necessary to extend the INSS CPMI. Many opposing forces show the commission's seriousness). Deputy Adriana Ventura pressed Alcolumbre: “Falei para o senador que é obrigação dele prorrogar o prazo da CPMI, mas infelizmente a perspectiva é pequena” (I told the senator it's his duty to extend, but prospects are slim). The final report risks non-approval.