Brazil Bill proposes prison for fraudulent payroll deductions

Bill 3312/26, currently under analysis in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, proposes to criminalize fraudulent unauthorized deductions from payrolls, social security benefits, pensions, and other income. The bill, authored by Deputy Fred Linhares, seeks to amend the Penal Code, the Law Against Organized Crime, and the Money Laundering Law.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals who obtain illicit advantages through unauthorized inclusions or charges in a victim's salary or benefits could face four to eight years of imprisonment plus a fine. Penalties may increase by one-third to double if the crime is committed using legal entities, unions, associations, or digital platforms to create a false appearance of legality.

Deputy Linhares noted that these frauds are often difficult to detect because they are automated, recurring, and involve relatively small individual amounts. He argued that such actions violate the dignity of victims and compromise their ability to cover basic living expenses.