Brazil's TCU probes use of forgotten bank funds in Desenrola 2.0 program

The Federal Court of Auditors (TCU) opened an investigation into the transfer of unclaimed bank deposits, known as “dinheiro esquecido,” totaling R$ 5.7 billion into the Fundo Garantidor de Operações (FGO). The FGO serves as a private guarantee fund for the Desenrola 2.0 debt‑renegotiation program, which aims to refinance overdue debts of workers and companies.

The audit examines whether moving the funds outside the federal budget complies with budgetary limits, as a provisional measure allowed the transfer without formal inclusion in the public budget. The Ministry of Finance has described the amounts as “strictly private” and says they will remain private after the transfer. Brazil's public prosecutor’s office has criticized the scheme, calling it a “bolsa banco” and questioning its legality during an election year.