Federal Police operation targets Indigenous pension fraud in Bahia

The Federal Police, together with the Office of the Comptroller General, launched the second phase of Operation Monã on July 9 in the Bahia municipalities of Eunápolis and Porto Seguro. Eleven search and seizure warrants were executed, leading to the seizure of more than R$1.5 million in bank accounts and a vehicle. The investigation uncovered a scheme in which false claims of belonging to Indigenous communities were used to obtain irregular rural pensions, maternity salaries and other benefits, potentially causing losses exceeding R$100 million to the public treasury. The suspects also allegedly obtained loans linked to the fraudulently obtained benefits. Federal court orders have suspended two public servants involved, and the accused face charges of criminal association, pension fraud, active and passive corruption.

The operation aims to halt the fraud network and recover the misappropriated funds, reinforcing oversight of social security benefits for special insured Indigenous individuals in Brazil.