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INSS Fraud Inquiry Blocks Subpoenas for Lulinha and AGU Chief as Panel Approves Zema Hearing

A pro-government majority blocked the opposition’s subpoenas, pushing the probe toward document retrieval to test the claims.

Overview

  • The CPMI voted 19–12 against summoning Fábio “Lulinha” Lula da Silva and 19–11 against calling Attorney General Jorge Messias to testify.
  • Lawmakers approved the hearing of Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema and advanced more than 100 requests for documents and financial intelligence reports.
  • Opposition members based the Lulinha request on testimony from Edson Claro alleging monthly payments of about R$300,000 and transfers that could total roughly R$25 million, plus reported trips with “Careca do INSS.”
  • Government allies said there is no documentary evidence tying Lulinha to the frauds, with PT figures calling the allegations a political fabrication as Messias faces a separate Senate confirmation process for the STF.
  • CPMI president Carlos Viana said bank statements and financial records are needed to confirm or dismiss the suspicions, with the committee set to resume work in early 2026.