Politics · Brazil · 13 hrs ago
Brazilian lawmaker indicted over alleged fraud involving INSS benefits
Brazil’s Federal Police indicted lawmaker Gorete Pereira and 28 other people in an investigation into unauthorized deductions from benefits paid by the country’s social security agency, the INSS.
The deductions were allegedly made through associations for retirees and pensioners.
Police suspect Pereira of taking part in a criminal organization, social security fraud and money laundering.
Investigators say companies linked to her relatives and associates received at least 11 million reais, and allege that she used her political influence to help fraudulent agreements with the INSS.
Pereira’s lawyer says she has not been officially told of the indictment and believes her actions were lawful.
An indictment is an accusation, not a finding of guilt.
The investigation also names association leaders and former INSS officials, but the account does not say what happens next.
Brazil’s Federal Police indicted lawmaker Gorete Pereira and 28 others in an investigation into alleged unauthorized deductions from INSS benefits.
Pereira is suspected of criminal organization, qualified social-security fraud and money laundering, according to the police.
A police report alleges companies linked to her relatives and associates received at least R$11 million.
The report says Pereira helped coordinate the alleged fraud and used her influence with senior INSS officials to support agreements with associations.
Her lawyer said she had not been officially notified of an indictment and expressed confidence in the investigation.
- Who
- Federal Police indicted lawmaker Gorete Pereira and 28 others. Other people named include lawyer Cecília Rodrigues Mota and Eric Fidelis.
- What
- The indictments concern suspected fraud involving unauthorized deductions from INSS benefits.
- When
- The police indictment was reported on October 11, 2026. The alleged conduct’s full timeframe is not stated.
- Where
- Brazil. The investigation concerns INSS benefits and agreements involving associations.
- Why
- Police suspect an alleged scheme involving unauthorized deductions and say Pereira helped coordinate it and protect agreements with associations.
Federal Police
Gorete Pereira’s defense
Allegations
Federal Police
Police suspect Pereira of criminal organization, qualified social-security fraud and money laundering, and say she helped coordinate the alleged scheme.
Gorete Pereira’s defense
Her lawyer said she had not been officially notified of an indictment and could not comment on its alleged crimes.
Conduct
Federal Police
Police allege companies linked to Pereira’s relatives and associates received at least R$11 million.
Gorete Pereira’s defense
Her lawyer said he was confident in the investigation and certain her conduct was lawful.
certain that the conduct she adopted was guided by the legality of her actions
Supreme Court Justice André Mendonça denied requests by police and federal prosecutors to arrest Pereira and ordered electronic monitoring and movement restrictions.
Eric Fidelis is alleged to have received R$2.4 million.
Folha reported that Federal Police had indicted Pereira and 28 others in Operation Sem Desconto.
- Indicted
- Gorete Pereira and 28 others
- Investigation
- Operation Sem Desconto
- Alleged proceeds
- At least R$11 million received by companies linked to Pereira’s relatives and associates
- Alleged payment
- Eric Fidelis reportedly received R$2.4 million in 2024
- Election result
- Pereira received 3,615 votes and was not elected
Sources
Related news
Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro filed at least 470 election cases before first round
Lula rallies supporters ahead of Brazil’s presidential runoff
Lula campaign accuses Meta of limiting its posts before Brazil runoff
Ratinho Jr. backs Flávio Bolsonaro in Brazil’s presidential runoff
Flávio Bolsonaro visits to his father set to resume after suspension ends
Brazil cuts fuel taxes and expands subsidies in R$5.2 billion package
Brazil court suspends Stake’s temporary permission to operate
Lula rallies in São Paulo for more worker rest days before Brazil runoff
Flávio Bolsonaro asks election court to investigate Brazil’s police chief
São Paulo leaders confirm Paulista rally for Flávio Bolsonaro on Oct. 18
Column argues Lula’s government has failed to protect political debate
