Minister considered that the summons by the president of Crefisa constituted a misuse of purpose and undue extrapolation of the commission’s investigation object
The minister of the (Supreme Federal Court) made it optional for the businesswoman to go to the INSS Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI). The interrogation of the president of Palmeiras was scheduled for Wednesday (18 March 2026).
Gilmar granted habeas corpus to Leila, a decision that gives the businesswoman the right not to attend the testimony or remain silent if she chooses to go to the commission.
The minister agreed with the writ of mandamus presented by the businesswoman’s defense at the STF. The lawyers claim that the summons has no relation to the commission’s investigation object or to the investigations into INSS fraud conducted by the Federal Police or the Comptroller General of the Union.
Gilmar recognized the relevance of the reasons presented by the panel to subpoena Leila, but understood that calling the businesswoman as a witness indicates a possible deviation of purpose and extrapolation of the object investigated by CPMI.
“The constitutional limits established on the investigative powers of parliamentary commissions of inquiry and the fundamental guarantees of the applicant prevent such a summons from occurring in dissonance with the determined facts that gave rise to the installation of the CPMI and in direct collision with the fundamental right to non-self-incrimination”said Gilmar.
LEILA & CREFISA
Congressmen want clarification on signs of Crefisa’s involvement in fraud related to deviations in associative discounts. CPMI investigates the role of the financial institution in irregularities involving contracts with the INSS. The deputies expect the businesswoman to explain the allegations of practices against the institute’s retirees and pensioners.
The INSS suspended the contract with Crefisa in August 2025. The decision was made due to the volume of complaints from pensioners and retirees. The bank has been unable to process assigned loans since the cancellation.
Leila Pereira already testified on March 9, but she did not appear. At the time, the businesswoman’s defense argued that the breach of tax secrecy of CPMI targets, determined by Minister Flávio Dino, would also apply to the summons.
In response to a petition from the businesswoman, Dino rejected the argument and the call. The minister stated that he was “evident” that breach of confidentiality and testimony as a witness are different situations.
