Master inquiry remains with Fachin to protect ministers
The difference in treatment between investigations in a decision that goes beyond regulatory arguments and may protect members of the Court.
TL;DR
- STF President Edson Fachin returned the INSS fraud investigation (Operação Sem Desconto) to Minister André Mendonça.
- Fachin retained responsibility for the Master irregularities probe (Compliance Zero) for up to 90 days.
- Jurists view this differential treatment as political and institutional, potentially protecting ministers from investigations.
- The Master case has revealed messages referencing ministers including Moraes, Mendonça, Nunes Marques, Dias Toffoli, Gilmar Mendes, and Luiz Fux.
- Critics argue there is no legal justification for keeping the Master procedures with Fachin while returning the INSS probe to Mendonça.
- The decision comes amid a conflict between ministers Moraes and Mendonça, involving alleged irregularities and abuse of authority.
- The STF's decision-making process for investigations involving its own members is being questioned.
- The future of the Master case depends on further decisions from the STF, including a report from the Federal Police.