In a shocking revelation, a recent operation has uncovered a massive fraud scheme affecting six million retirees and pensioners in Brazil. Dubbed the "Sem Desconto" operation, the initiative was launched on April 23, 2025, by the Controladoria-Geral da União (CGU) and the Polícia Federal (PF), aiming to combat unauthorized deductions from the paychecks of beneficiaries of the Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS).
According to the CGU, these deductions, which were made without the consent of the retirees, amounted to a staggering R$ 6.3 billion. The monthly fees charged by various associative entities reached R$ 81.57, significantly impacting the financial well-being of those affected. The revelations have not only raised concerns over the integrity of the INSS but also led to the resignation of its president, Alessandro Stefanutto.
During a press conference, CGU Minister Vinícius de Carvalho detailed the findings of the investigation, stating, "This is an operation to combat corruption and fraud, but it is, above all, an operation to defend the retirees and pensioners of this country. We have six million people who are monthly deducted some amount from their retirement salary due to associative discounts." He emphasized that 97% of the retirees and pensioners interviewed did not authorize the deductions.
The investigation revealed that class entities, such as associations and unions, had formalized Acordos de Cooperação Técnica (ACTs) with the INSS. These agreements allowed the entities to deduct monthly fees directly from the paychecks of retirees and pensioners without their authorization. Alarmingly, the CGU identified that 70% of the 29 entities analyzed did not submit complete documentation to the INSS for signing the ACTs.
Prior to launching the operation, the CGU had been alerted to irregularities and conducted thorough audits to confirm the unauthorized discounts. Interviews with 1,300 retirees indicated that many were unaware of the deductions, with some believing the discounts were mandatory. The CGU's findings have prompted urgent recommendations for the INSS, including the immediate blocking of new associative monthly fee deductions and improvements to the procedures related to the formalization, execution, suspension, and cancellation of ACTs.
One of the most notable entities involved in the scandal is the Sindicato Nacional dos Aposentados, Pensionistas e Idosos (Sindnapi), where Frei Chico, the older brother of former President Lula, serves as vice-president. The CGU's report pointed out that the association, along with the Associação dos Aposentados Mutualistas para Benefícios Coletivos (Ambec), was implicated in suspicious transactions between 2020 and 2023.
In August 2021, Ambec signed a technical cooperation agreement with the INSS, which allowed it to deduct monthly fees from retirees' paychecks, provided there was express authorization from members. However, the CGU's audit found that Ambec failed to provide the necessary documentation to prove that retirees were aware of and consented to the deductions. The investigation suggests that the data of retirees was obtained from INSS servers through bribery, with information being registered with Ambec and other similar associations without the retirees' knowledge.
As the scandal unfolds, the CGU has stressed the importance of implementing biometric verification and electronic signatures to ensure that only authorized individuals can approve such deductions. Minister de Carvalho stated, "The absence of rigorous oversight allowed this type of fraud to occur, compounded by the increase in the number of deductions, which created a snowball effect. This system needs to be implemented to prevent this type of fraud in the future."
The public response to the revelations has been one of outrage, with many retirees expressing their disbelief and frustration over the unauthorized deductions. The situation has triggered discussions about the need for greater transparency and accountability within the INSS and associated entities.
This scandal serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within social security systems and the potential for exploitation by unscrupulous entities. As the investigation continues, the CGU and the PF are expected to delve deeper into the operations of the implicated associations, seeking to recover the funds lost to these fraudulent activities.
In light of these events, the Brazilian government faces mounting pressure to reform the INSS and enhance protections for retirees and pensioners. The ongoing investigation may lead to significant changes in how associations interact with the INSS and how deductions are managed, ensuring that the rights and interests of beneficiaries are safeguarded.
