Crisis at the Federal Police

The crisis between the leadership of the Federal Police (PF) and the office of Minister André Mendonça of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) intensified after PF director‑general Andrei Rodrigues expressed outrage over the minister's actions regarding the investigations into the INSS fraud and the Master Bank case.

What’s at stake

Andrei Rodrigues does not intend to abandon the lawsuit filed with the Attorney General’s Office against measures ordered by André Mendonça in the investigations of the INSS fraud. The minister believes the directives are necessary to fulfill the judicial supervisory role in the inquiry.

Mendonça’s stance

André Mendonça says he does not interfere with the PF’s work, but he became irritated with the agency’s delay in presenting reports on improper deductions from retirees and pensioners. The minister also ordered that all information from the INSS fraud investigation be sent immediately to his office.

Andrei’s reaction

Andrei Rodrigues labeled the minister’s conduct as an abuse of power and argues that any investigation involving a Court minister must respect legal limits and the competence of the STF itself. He also stressed his defense against alleged ties to former banker Daniel Vorcaro.

The consequences

The crisis could lead to a request to nullify evidence obtained in other cases, such as the probe into alleged financial fraud at Master. President Lula and STF president Edson Fachin tried to mediate the dispute, but Andrei Rodrigues does not plan to meet with the minister to smooth things over.

Information from CartaCapital, CNN Brazil.