This Thursday (18), Polícia Federal launched a new phase of Operação Sem Desconto, which investigates a scheme of undue associative discounts on INSS benefits. The action resulted in the preventive arrest of several people, including the executive secretary of Ministério of Previdência Social, Adroaldo of Cunha Portal, and searches of the residence of senator Weverton Rocha (PDT-MA).
The legal measures were authorized by Supremo Tribunal Federal and cover seven states and Distrito Federal. Investigators carried out 52 search and seizure warrants, in addition to 16 preventive arrests.
The investigated scheme involves unauthorized deductions in retirement and pensions, with losses estimated at R$6.3 billion between 2019 and 2024. Entidades associations fraudulently registered beneficiaries to charge monthly fees directly to the payroll.
- The operation began in April 2025, with revelations about shell entities.
- Audits identified a lack of structure in several associations investigated.
- Legislative changes have made it easier to maintain irregular charges.
Evolution of investigations
Operação Sem Desconto advanced throughout 2025 with successive phases that deepened the investigations. Inicialmente, focused on associative entities suspected of falsifying authorizations from beneficiaries.
In November, the former president of the INSS, Alessandro Stefanutto, was arrested on suspicion of omission and interference in evidence. The current phase reaches higher levels of government and Congresso.
Investigators point to connections between scheme operators and political figures. Adroaldo Portal, removed from office, received house arrest with electronic monitoring.
Arrests made in the current phase
Romeu Carvalho Antunes, son of Antônio Carlos Camilo Antunes, known as Careca from INSS, was arrested preventively. Ele is a partner in companies linked to his father, who has been detained since September.
Another target arrested was Éric Fidelis, son of the former INSS benefits director, André Fidelis. Éric’s office moved significant amounts from those under investigation.
The arrests aim to prevent the continued concealment of assets and interference with evidence. The PF seized documents and electronic devices at several addresses.
Searches against Senator Weverton Rocha
Senator Weverton Rocha, leader of the PDT in Senado, had his residence searched and seized. Ele is investigated for possible connections with scheme operators.
The parliamentarian’s advisors and former collaborators appeared in previous stages of the investigation. Weverton made himself available to the authorities for clarification.
The action did not include warrants in Congresso Nacional. The senator denies irregularities and received the measure with serenity.
Legislative changes and scheme growth
Associative discounts have been provided for by law since 1991, but have grown exponentially since 2019. Alterações in Congresso eliminated the need for periodic revalidation of authorizations.
In 2022, the definitive suppression of confirmation allowed irregular charges to be maintained indefinitely. Antes, rules provided for verification every three or four years.
The number of accredited entities increased significantly during this period. Muitas did not present complete documentation to the INSS for the agreements.
CGU auditors found that most of the beneficiaries interviewed did not authorize the discounts. Algumas associations registered thousands of memberships in short periods.
Failures in INSS controls
The INSS has not suspended payments to associations with signs of irregularities for years. Gestões previous ones maintained agreements despite internal complaints.
Strategic servants linked to the scheme remained in key positions. The lack of documentary verification made it easier to insert fraudulent discounts.
The institute implemented measures such as biometrics for new registrations after the scandal. Suspensões of agreements occurred in response to initial investigations.
The government announced refunds of amounts unduly deducted. Beneficiários can consult and dispute charges through official channels.
Parallel advances in the INSS CPI
The INSS’s Comissão Parlamentar of Inquérito, installed at Congresso, approved breaches of confidentiality by hundreds of people and entities. The board is closely following the revelations of the police operation.
Several targets in the current phase have already been mentioned in statements at the CPI. The rapporteur highlighted that the arrests confirm the commission’s findings.
The CPI requested information about visits and relationships between those being investigated and parliamentarians. Trabalhos of the commission contributed to deepening the investigations.
Measures adopted by the government
Ministério of Previdência dismissed Adroaldo Portal immediately after the operation. An interim substitute took over as executive secretary.
Authorities reinforced their commitment to recovering misappropriated resources. The INSS maintains blocks on suspicious discounts.
Channels such as the Meu INSS application and the 135 center help affected beneficiaries. The government extended deadlines for contesting undue charges.
The investigation remains ongoing to identify everyone involved in the scheme.
