Brazilian police probe a pension fraud scheme that stole $1 billion from retirees
Associated Press2 days
Brazil: Social Security Chief Sacked Amid Billion-Dollar Fraud Probe
Above: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, on April 23, 2025. Image copyright: Evaristo Sa/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
President Lula ordered the dismissal of Stefanutto as soon as he learned the details of the investigation, further demonstrating his commitment to fighting corruption as federal institutions under his administration have finally dismantled this unacceptable fraud scheme.
Right narrative
Bad choices have dire consequences, and retirees and pensioners in Brazil are now paying the price for the choice that Brazilians made in the 2022 presidential election. It should be no surprise that electing a convicted, corrupt politician like Lula would fuel corruption in the country.