PF Details 3-Nucleus INSS Fraud Scheme as Ex-INSS Chief Is Jailed, Conafer Leader Sought

Overview

• Federal Police describe a structure split into command, political and financial nuclei, identifying Conafer president Carlos Lopes as leader and declaring him a fugitive after a court-ordered arrest.
• Investigators say Conafer received R$708 million from the INSS and diverted about 90% through shell companies while using falsified association enrollments to enable unauthorized discounts.
• The fourth phase of Operation Sem Desconto resulted in nine arrests and seizures that included R$720,000 and $72,000 in cash, 43 vehicles, eight firearms, 106 jewels and 23 luxury watches.
• Former INSS president Alessandro Stefanutto was arrested on allegations he approved unlawful discounts and took monthly bribes of R$250,000, accusations his defense rejects as unfounded.
• Ex-minister José Carlos Oliveira, now known as Ahmed Mohamad, is cited within the political nucleus and is under electronic monitoring as the Senate CPI accelerates new subpoenas and potential plea deals.