R$1 Billion INSS Fraud: Network of Associations Exposed

Brazilian authorities have uncovered a massive fraud scheme that has defrauded the INSS (Brazilian social security) of nearly R$1 billion since 2022. The scheme involved a network of associations and entities that used digital signature websites to illegally deduct money from pensioners and retirees. According to the investigation, Igor Dias Delecrode, the owner of six companies specializing in creating digital signature websites, was a key figure in the operation. At least one of his companies was used by four entities – AAPEN, ABCB/Amar Brasil, Masterprev, and ANDDAP – to enroll INSS beneficiaries en masse. "The scheme sought to fraudulently give the appearance of legality to the membership forms," said a CGU spokesperson. The Jornal Nacional verified that since 2022, this network alone deducted almost R$1 billion from retirees and pensioners. The CGU's investigation highlights the need for stronger safeguards within the INSS system to prevent future fraud.