Lupi denies having been silent in the INSS fraud

The Minister of Social Security, Carlos Lupi (PDT), denied that it was silent in case of increasing unauthorized discounts made by the INSS (National Institute of Social Security). In an interview with Folha de S. Paulothe boss of the agency stated that his attitude was to dismiss the director of the institution, at the time André Fidelis, and put Vanderlei Barbosa in place.

Lupi says that although he knew the irregularities as early as 2023, the errors and failures that existed were inherited from the past government. “Since that moment, the board responsible for the area [diretoria de Benefícios do INSS] began to investigate the case. Time went through, and the director [André Fidelis] had no report. Until July 2024, I had walked nothing, and I dismissed him. I put Vanderlei [Barbosa], And in 3 months he presented, showing errors and flaws that existed, but came from an inheritance, ” these.

Minutes of CNPS (National Social Security Council) meetings shows that Lupi was warned about the increase in unauthorized retirement discounts in June 2023, but took 10 months to take any action.

According to the documents available on the board’s website, the first time the theme came at a meeting was in June 12, 2023but the item was only included in the agenda of the meeting of April 24, 2024.

The minister says he has no concern about the minutes. “I was not omitted at all”, declared. “It’s all complex, all difficult. The proof that I wasn’t silent is that I dismissed the director.”

According to the minister, the president (PT) asked the former president of the INSS, Alexandre Stefanutto, to be fired, but Lupi argued that he remained in office and had a broad right of defense. Lula would have said that the signal would be negative for the investigation, and then the minister agreed with Stefanutto’s dismissal.

“The only thing they criticize is that, on the day of the operation, I said that the poor Stefanutto should have a broad right of defense, should not be fired. Is this a constitutional precept of any civilized society. Is this my crime? I’m being conniving because of that?”he declared.

As for the relationship with the chief executive, Lupi says he is “Quiet consciousness” and that has spoken with the petista normally. “I have been talking to the president normally, he always in a good mood. My job is his. these.

INVESTIGATION

The PF (Federal Police) On Wednesday (23.abr) the operation without discount to investigate the fraud in the INSS. The estimated loss is R $ 6.3 billion from 2019 to 2024.

During the action, 211 search and seizure warrants, 6 temporary arrest warrants and sequestration orders that total more than R $ 1 billion. The operation was performed in 13 states, including Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul, Ceará and also in the Federal District.

The government reported that 6 people were removed from their duties by of the Federal Justice. Among the targets is the president of the INSS, Alessandro Stefanutto. THE (Comptroller General of the Union) also participates in investigations.

How the scheme worked

According to the PF, the scheme involved class entities that made discounts directly on the benefits of retirees and pensioners, unauthorized. The amounts were charged as associative monthly fees, but there was no effective provision of services.

CGU audit pointed out that 70% of the 29 entities analyzed did not deliver the documentation required by the INSS. In CGU interviews with 1,300 beneficiaries, most stated that they had not authorized any discounts. Among the entities involved are Ambex, Contag, CAAP and another 9 with technical cooperation agreements signed from 1994 to 2023.

The investigation identified failures in verifying the authorization of beneficiaries and evidence of falsification of documents. The entities signed agreements with the INSS that allowed discounts, but many were applied without consent of the policyholders.

When investigations began

The CGU began the findings in 2023, when noticing the significant increase in the number of entities agreed and the discounted values ​​of beneficiaries.

Audits were conducted at 29 entities with cooperation agreements and interviews with 1,300 retirees who had payroll discounts.

The crimes investigated include:

• active and passive corruption;
• criminal organization;
• money laundering;
• Document forgery;
• Functional confidentiality violation.

The PF said it had seized luxury cars, cash, jewelry and works of art. The exact values ​​are still being accounted for.

Who was removed

Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski reported on Wednesday (23.abr) the names of 5 staff, in addition to the president of the INSS. They are:

• Alessandro Stefanutto – INSS President;
• Virgílio Ribeiro de Oliveira Filho -INSS Attorney General;
• Vanderlei Barbosa dos Santos – Director of Benefits and Relationship;
• Young gathers faise spiecker – Service Support Coordinator;
• JUCIMAR FONSECA DA SILVA – Coordinator of Payments and Benefits.

Beyond them, a federal policeman was removed, whose identity was not disclosed

Who is Alessandro Stefanutto?

Alessandro Antonio Stefanutto The presidency of the INSS in July 2023, appointed by the Minister of Social Security, Carlos Lupi. He has been a federal career prosecutor and has been working at the municipality for 25 years. Has already held the position of Attorney General of the agency from 2011 to 2017.

Graduated in Law from Mackenzie University, has a postgraduate degree in Project Management and Master in Management and Social Security Systems from the University of Alcalá, Spain. It is affiliated to the PSB (Brazilian Socialist Party).

During its management, the INSS line reached almost 2 million in February 2025, the largest number since 2020.

What is the guidance for the beneficiaries?

The government’s guidance to beneficiaries is that if they identify improper discounts on associative monthly payment in the payment statement (paycheck), make the request for exclusion through the application or website “”.

Exclusion is automatic and can be performed without the need for face -to -face attendance.