Why did the PF arrest the former president of the INSS? Understand the new phase of Sem Desconto
The Federal Police arrested Alessandro Stefanutto, former president of the INSS, this Thursday (13), in a new stage of Operation Without Discount. The action investigates irregular associative discounts applied to retirements and pensions between 2019 and 2024. Stefanutto is one of the 10 targets of preventive detention authorized for this phase.
According to the PF, 63 search warrants and other precautionary measures were issued in 14 states and the Federal District. The operation is carried out in partnership with the Comptroller General of the Union (CGU).
The defense states that it has not yet had access to the content of the decision and maintains that it will “prove the innocence” of the former INSS president at the end of the process.
Why was Stefanutto arrested
Stefanutto was fired from command of the INSS in April, after the scandal came to light. He had already been removed when the first phase of the investigation revealed a scheme that deducted monthly payments from retirees and pensioners without authorization.
The PF investigates crimes such as entering false data into official systems, criminal organizations, social security fraud, active and passive corruption and concealment of assets.
According to TV GloboStefanutto is investigated for allegedly allowing irregularities during his administration.
Who else is targeted in the new phase
In addition to Stefanutto, the PF is executing warrants against parliamentarians, former Social Security members and directors of investigated associations. According to TV Globoamong the search targets are:
- Ahmed Mohamad (José Carlos) Oliveira, former Minister of Social Securitywho must wear an electronic ankle bracelet.
- Federal deputy Euclydes Pettersen (Republicanos-MG).
- Maranhão state deputy Edson Araújo (PSB)who is also vice-president of the Brazilian Confederation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Workers (CBPA).
As of the last update, six people had been arrested, including:
- Alessandro Stefanuttoformer president of INSS;
- Vinícius Ramos da Cruzpresident of the Land and Work Institute (ITT);
- Tiago Abraão Ferreira Lopesdirector of Conafer;
- Cicero Marcelino de Souza Santosbusinessman linked to Conafer;
- Samuel Chrisostomo do Bonfim Júnioralso linked to Conafer.
In addition to them, another prisoner, in September, was Antônio Carlos Antunes Camilo, the “Careca do INSS”considered the centerpiece of the scheme.
How the illegal discount scheme worked
The PF claims that the group made undue monthly charges through associations of retirees and pensioners. The amounts were debited directly from the benefits, without the insured having subscribed to the services or authorized the discounts.
The CGU points out that the entities offered supposed legal assistance, health and health insurance services, but had no real capacity to provide them. The loss could reach R$6.3 billion.
11 entities involved were identified. After the investigations progressed, its contracts with beneficiaries were suspended.
Where the PF carries out searches
The operation complies with measures in the Federal District, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Maranhão, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Paraná, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Sergipe and Tocantins.
Government reaction and return of values
In July, the government began returning irregularly deducted amounts. According to the INSS, more than 6 million beneficiaries reported not recognizing recent charges; 4.8 million are eligible to receive refunds.
The deadline to contest discounts has been extended until February 14, 2026. The request can be made via Meu INSS, Central 135 or in person at the Post Office.
Who is Alessandro Stefanutto
Affiliated with the PDT, Alessandro Stefanutto assumed the presidency of the INSS in July 2023, following a nomination by then minister Carlos Lupi. Previously, he was director of Budget, Finance and Logistics at the municipality and specialized federal attorney general at the INSS between 2011 and 2017.
He has a degree in Law from Mackenzie and a master’s degree in Management and Social Security System from the University of Alcalá, in Spain. He also participated in the transition team between the Jair Bolsonaro and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva governments as a Social Security consultant.
In a statement, Stefanutto’s defense says that they did not have access to the content of the decision that ordered his arrest, and claims that it is “a completely illegal arrest”, and that their client will “seek the information that supported the decree to take the necessary measures”.
