Brazil Supreme Court and Federal Police face institutional tension

Tensions are escalating between Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) and the Federal Police (PF) regarding high-profile investigations involving the National Social Security Institute (INSS) and Banco Master. STF Minister André Mendonça, who is rapporteur for these cases, has defended his impartiality, stating his role is to act with technical rigor and respect constitutional guarantees to avoid the politicization of investigations.

The friction involves several points of contention, including the PF’s attempt to bypass Mendonça’s rapporteurship by requesting a general draw for inquiries related to Fábio Luís Lula da Silva. Additionally, the Ministry of Justice has placed under secrecy the list of federal police officers assigned to courts who are being ordered to return to the PF. This move is interpreted by some as a potential retaliation against officers working in Mendonça’s cabinet.

Internal distrust within the PF has also surfaced. Some agents have expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of Director-General Andrei Rodrigues, citing his political appointment. While police associations have remained silent on the specific conflict, reports indicate internal unease regarding changes to investigation teams and the handling of evidence.