PF superintendents defend direction amid clashes between the body and Mendonça

The statement comes amid clashes between the police leadership and the minister of the STF (Supreme Federal Court) André Mendonça.

Behind the scenes, there are mutual accusations between the PF and the court of political bias in the conduct of Sem Desconto operations, which investigates fraud in INSS discounts, and Compliance Zero, which targets Banco Master.

The superintendents state that they believe in preserving a Federal Police that is "strong, technical, independent and faithful to its institutional mission" and that its investigative activity "is not subject to political, ideological or personal interests, but to strict compliance with the law".

"The credibility built before Brazilian society arises from the technical and independent performance of its employees, guided exclusively by facts, evidence and control mechanisms provided for in the legal system", they wrote.

The superintendents also state that, throughout its 82-year history, the body "has consolidated itself as a State institution committed to the Constitution of the Republic, legality, impartiality and the defense of the democratic rule of law."

They added that, for the adequate exercise of their constitutional mission, "it is essential to preserve the technical independence of investigations and the administrative autonomy necessary for the efficient management of their institutional resources and priorities."

"Such guarantees exist for the benefit of society and the correct application of the law, and public debate and legitimate criticism are typical of democracy, but not when aimed at weakening the credibility and trust that society places in republican institutions", they concluded.

About two weeks ago, the Federal Police contacted the AGU (Attorney General of the Union) against measures imposed by Mendonça that increased its control of cases.

The minister has two inquiries involving Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, known as Lulinha, son of President Lula (PT).

He is being investigated on suspicion of influence peddling for allegedly acting in defense of the interests of companies in federal agencies.

The PF wanted the AGU to find some legal argument to refute the minister's determination.

Mendonça decided that all acts of the investigation be immediately added to the process being processed in his office.

Therefore, this information could no longer pass through other PF departments, such as the General Coordination for the Repression of Corruption, Financial Crimes and Money Laundering.

The minister also determined that any removal of police officers from the investigative team be communicated to him and that all data extractions be sent to the office in the middle of investigations, using the PF analysis tool.

Officially, the AGU has not yet responded to the PF whether it will take any action in relation to the request.