Federal deputy Duarte Jr. (PSB-MA), vice-president of the INSS CPMI, filed a police report against fellow party member Edson Araújo for WhatsApp threats. The messages followed questioning in the commission about irregularities at the Brazilian Confederation of Fishery and Aquaculture Workers (CBPA). Duarte requested protection for himself and his family.
On Monday, during testimony at the INSS CPMI, Duarte Jr. questioned CBPA president Abraão Lincoln Ferreira da Cruz about over 5 million reais received by Edson Araújo from the Maranhão Fishermen's Colonies Federation and funds in legislative assessors' accounts. The deponent chose silence.
The next day, Tuesday, Araújo sent aggressive WhatsApp messages to Duarte, accusing him of wanting to 'aparecer' and calling him a 'palhaço'. Duarte replied that 'lugar de ladrão de aposentado, pescador e pessoas com deficiência é na cadeia' and questioned the transfers. Araújo responded: 'You are a palhaço, irresponsible and incompetent. I never received anything from retirees, we will still meet'. When asked if it was a threat, he confirmed: 'Tô porque'. The exchange ended with Araújo saying: 'You will know'.
The messages contained a 'threat of death', viewed in the Chamber's premises, placing the investigation under the Federal Legislative Police. On Wednesday, November 5, Duarte filed the police report and posted on X: 'When I assumed the vice-presidency of the INSS CPMI, I knew it wouldn't be easy to face powerful white-collar criminals who steal from vulnerable people. In the last hours, I was threatened and coerced to interrupt the investigations. I have already registered the occurrence with the Federal Legislative Police and am requesting immediate protection for my family'.
Duarte also requested escort from Chamber president Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB) for himself and family in Maranhão. The CBPA is investigated in Operation Sem Desconto, launched in April 2024, probing irregular deductions from INSS benefits between 2019 and 2024. Edson Araújo, CBPA vice-president, did not respond to comment requests.