São Paulo's Secretariat of Finance and Planning dismissed five tax auditors involved in irregularities in ICMS refunds, investigated under Operation Ícaro and its spin-offs. The dismissals stem from administrative processes in partnership with the MP-SP. Five more public servants may be dismissed soon.
São Paulo's Sefaz-SP announced on Wednesday (29) the dismissal of five tax auditors, resulting from administrative disciplinary processes to investigate irregular ICMS refunds. The department, under the Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) government, partners with the MP-SP.
In a statement, Secretary Samuel Kinoshita said the government aims to "hold those involved accountable, strengthen control mechanisms, and ensure management integrity". In total, 61 proceedings are open, including 11 ongoing disciplinary cases and five in advanced stages that may lead to further dismissals.
Operation Ícaro, launched by MP-SP in August 2025, targets a corruption scheme involving over R$ 1 billion in bribes from major retailers to auditors. Investigated auditor Artur Gomes da Silva Neto, the scheme's mastermind, was dismissed in August 2025 and remains in preventive detention. Spin-offs like Fisco Paralelo and Mágico de Oz probe additional frauds, with arrests and seizures of R$ 2.4 million.
Fast Shop agreed to pay R$ 100 million to avoid sanctions. Carrefour started an internal investigation and is cooperating with authorities. Casas Bahia claims it has not been notified. Caoa, Kalunga, and Center Castilho did not respond.
