The new phase of Operation No Rebate, launched this Thursday (12/18) by the Federal Police in collaboration with the General Controller of the Union (CGU), highlighted the high standard of living supported by the money illegally taken from INSS retirees and retirees.
During the execution of the arrest warrants, agents seized weapons, cash, luxury cars, imported watches, jewelry and other valuable property, acquired, according to investigations, with resources diverted from the project.
Among the items collected are vehicles from high-end brands, such as Volvo, as well as foreign watches. The seizures took place in different states and in the Federal District. One of the addresses is that of Senator Weverton (PDT-MA).
The action resulted in the arrest of Romeu Carvalho Antunes, son of Antônio Carlos Camilo Antunes, known as “Careca do INSS”, identified as one of the main operators of the fraud and imprisoned since September.
According to the PF, Romeu was authorized to manage the social accounts used as part of the scheme and appears to be a partner of the financial structures investigated.
Another target of the arrest is the lawyer Eric Douglas Martins Fidelis, son of the former director of INSS Benefits, André Fidelis.
How the program worked
Investigations indicate that the criminal organization favored unauthorized associational cuts directly to retirement and pension salaries.
The amounts were withdrawn monthly as if the beneficiaries had joined professional associations, which, in most cases, never happened.
These resources supplied the entities involved and were then diluted in the accounts of companies, families and intermediaries, in addition to being converted into luxury goods to hide the origin of the money.
The PF highlights the existence of centers specializing in data capture, the insertion of false information into official systems and money laundering.
According to the CGU, the associations claimed to offer services such as legal assistance and medical insurance, but did not have a minimum structure to actually operate. At least 11 entities have had their contracts suspended by court decision.
Political impact and reimbursement
The scandal caused a crisis within the federal government and resulted in the departure of the then Minister of Social Security, Carlos Lupi (PDT), who resigned after the investigation progressed. The ministry was now headed by Wolney Queiroz, amid efforts to contain institutional damage.
In July, the government announced the restitution of sums unduly withheld from retirees and pensioners. The refund is made in one go and the deadline for contesting discounts has been extended until February 14, 2026.
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