Fachin Returns INSS Probe to Mendonça and Keeps Master Case with Presidency

Overview

• Fachin returned Operação Sem Desconto, the INSS investigation into alleged improper pension discounts, to Minister André Mendonça for regular processing after the Procuradoria-Geral da República said it found no elements characterizing abuse of authority on Thursday.
• The investigations into Banco Master, known as Operação Compliance Zero, remain under Fachin’s temporary custody for up to 90 days measured from September 12, with the presidency limited to urgent decisions while the matter is reassessed.
• Fachin ordered the Federal Police to deliver a detailed report on references to Supreme Court ministers that appear in PF documents about Master so the court can decide whether the files should stay with the presidency or be redistributed.
• The files were first moved to the presidency in September after messages from ex-banker Daniel Vorcaro mentioning an STF minister triggered a dispute between André Mendonça and Alexandre de Moraes and left routine defense requests stalled.
• Fachin’s moves form part of a wider review of long-running procedures at the court, including recent archivals in the Fake News inquiry, and set up a plenary vote that could reshape how the STF handles competence and evidence in politically sensitive probes.