R$1 million INSS fraud: official suspended in Presidente Prudente after federal police operation
The Federal Police launched an operation against a scheme of social security fraud at the INSS in Presidente Prudente (SP), with estimated damage to public coffers of R$1,026,715.53.
INSS official suspended following social security fraud scheme in Presidente Prudente
The Federal Police launched an operation on Thursday (24) against a scheme of fraud at the INSS in Presidente Prudente (SP), as reported by g1.globo.com. The estimated damage to public coffers reached R$1,026,715.53.
A public official working at the local INSS office is suspected of involvement in the irregularities. The courts ordered his precautionary suspension from public office, without any arrest being made.
Manipulation of records and false employment links
According to the investigation, the official used privileged access to INSS systems to make improper changes to beneficiary records. The modifications included the insertion of fictitious employment links and false salaries, with the aim of simulating non-existent contribution periods and thus unlawfully releasing benefits.
The alterations were made without the documentation required to verify the data, according to the Federal Police. Through the simulation of contribution periods and the inclusion of false remuneration, pensions and social security benefits were being granted improperly.
Search warrants executed in three cities
The operation executed three search and seizure warrants in the cities of Presidente Prudente, Cerqueira César and Osasco, all in the state of São Paulo. Computer equipment was seized and will be analysed to identify further evidence to support the investigation.
The Federal Police are also investigating the involvement of intermediaries responsible for recruiting beneficiaries who benefited from the scheme. The investigation points to possible organised involvement of third parties in selecting victims and facilitating the fraud.
Partnership with the Ministry of Social Security
The operation was carried out jointly with the General Coordination of Social Security Intelligence (CGINP), of the Ministry of Social Security (MPS), which provided the technical data that formed the basis of the investigation.
The conduct under investigation could theoretically constitute the crimes of insertion of false data into an information system, fraud against Social Security, ideological falsity and criminal organisation. The force emphasised that other crimes may be identified during the course of the inquiry.
Through a statement, the INSS declared that it does not comment on ongoing investigations.
Source: Google News BR — São Paulo