Brazil: Investigations target INSS fraud and Bolsonaro-related film funding

Brazilian Federal Deputy Lindbergh Farias has criticized Supreme Federal Court Minister André Mendonça following a series of judicial decisions that eased precautionary measures for suspects in the INSS fraud investigation. Mendonça ordered the release of several individuals, including Romeu Carvalho Antunes, son of an investigated figure, replacing preventive detention with electronic monitoring. The Minister maintained that these changes allow for less severe restrictions as investigations progress.

Simultaneously, the Federal Police and the Office of the Comptroller General (CGU) launched ‘Operation Make Up’ to investigate the alleged diversion of public funds related to the production of ‘Dark Horse’, a biopic about Jair Bolsonaro. The operation involved 49 search and seizure warrants, targeting individuals such as Deputy Mário Frias and businesswoman Karina Gama. Investigators are looking into whether parliamentary amendments were irregularly redirected to subcontracted companies without proof of service delivery. Lindbergh Farias commented on the operation, suggesting it increases legal pressure on the Bolsonaro family.