Conafer President arrested in INSS deductions operation

The arrest of Carlos Lopes, president of the National Confederation of Family Farmers and Rural Family Entrepreneurs (Conafer), has drawn new attention to the scheme of improper deductions from INSS benefits that is being investigated by the Federal Police.

Operation No Discount and the capture of Carlos Lopes

On the night of September 12, the leader surrendered to the Regional Superintendency of the Federal Police in Brasília, ending his fugitive status since November of last year. The Federal Police's final report was sent to the Supreme Court minister, André Mendonça, for judicial actions.

Conafer's role in the improper deductions scheme

According to the Federal Police, Conafer was the central piece of a scheme that created fake memberships and unauthorized charges against INSS retirees and pensioners, moving millions irregularly. The deductions were simulated as if the beneficiaries were members of retirees' associations, although they had not joined nor authorized any debit.

Details of the Federal Police investigation

The investigation began in 2023 at the Federal Comptroller General's Office (CGU), in the administrative sphere. In 2024, the CGU found evidence of crimes and referred the case to the Federal Police, which then conducted Operation No Discount. Last month, the Federal Police concluded the first phase of the operation, charging 48 individuals, including former INSS president Alessandro Stefanutto, former Attorney General Virgílio de Oliveira Filho, former benefits director André Fidelis, and lobbyist Antônio Carlos Camilo Antunes, known as Careca.

Repercussions on INSS benefits

Investigators indicate that the improper deductions may total up to R$ 6.3 billion, affecting retirees and pensioners whose monthly amounts were withdrawn without authorization. The Federal Police argues that Carlos Lopes should be charged with criminal organization, aggravated money laundering, and aggravated active corruption.

Next judicial steps

After the surrender, Lopes will be transferred to the prison system, awaiting standard procedures. The case remains under review by the Supreme Court, while the Federal Police continues to assess the scheme's scope and hold the remaining defendants accountable.

With information from G1.