Why did a Supreme Court justice confront the Federal Police minister?

STF Justice André Mendonça called an urgent meeting with Justice Minister Wellington Lima e Silva on Thursday, August 6, to demand that the Federal Police (PF) be allowed to conduct investigations with full independence. The conversation, brokered by Attorney General Jorge Messias, was described by participants on both sides as productive.

What specific concerns triggered the meeting?

Mendonça raised red flags over several administrative moves inside the PF linked to the INSS fraud probe and investigations involving Fábio Luís Lula da Silva — known as Lulinha — the president's son. His concerns included repeated reshuffling of investigation teams, the use of data obtained under court-authorized wiretaps to open new inquiries without returning to his chambers, and the replacement of the lead delegate handling the INSS case shortly after the probe expanded to include Lulinha.

Following that leadership change, the PF requested three new inquiries involving the president's son. Two landed with Mendonça; one went to Justice Flávio Dino. All three remain under seal.

How did the Federal Police respond?

The PF, for its part, expressed discomfort with Mendonça's own recent rulings — particularly orders requiring the force to forward all case files from Operação Sem Desconto to the STF, and a directive that Mendonça be notified in advance of any decision to replace or suspend delegates running those cases. The PF contacted the Attorney General's office to challenge the measures, arguing they amounted to undue interference in police management.

In a show of solidarity, all 27 regional PF superintendents issued a public statement backing the force's leadership and defending its operational autonomy.

What was agreed to ease the tension?

Both sides agreed to keep teams in regular contact through scheduled meetings to improve the flow of investigations, stopping short of any structural changes for now. Minister Lima e Silva assured Mendonça that the government has acted without selectivity in pursuing cases.

Key Facts:
  • Meeting held on Thursday, August 6, arranged by Attorney General Jorge Messias.
  • Central disputes: team reshuffles in the INSS probe and delegate replacement after Lulinha link emerged.
  • Three new inquiries involving Lulinha were opened; two assigned to Mendonça, one to Dino — all under seal.
  • PF's 27 superintendents released a statement supporting police leadership.
  • Agreement: regular inter-team meetings to improve investigative coordination.