Feb 17 • 20:25 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Association says that tax auditors cannot be scapegoats after leak against the STF

The Unafisco Nacional criticized the Federal Police's operation targeting a Federal Revenue auditor suspected of data breaches involving STF ministers' families.

Unafisco Nacional, the National Association of Federal Tax Auditors in Brazil, has expressed strong condemnation of a recent operation initiated by the Federal Police, which specifically targeted an auditor from the Federal Revenue Service. This operation is linked to suspicions of the auditor's involvement in the unauthorized access of personal information regarding the relatives of Supreme Federal Court (STF) ministers. Unafisco is particularly concerned about the severe precautionary measures imposed on this auditor, such as electronic monitoring and the immediate suspension from duty, arguing that the context of the inquiry remains in its preliminary phase, thereby questioning the legitimacy of such drastic actions.

Following the Federal Police's execution of four search and seizure warrants against public servants in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Bahia, Unafisco has highlighted the importance of ensuring that any punitive measures against its members are supported by robust legal ground and substantial evidence. The association underlined that public servants should not endure undue pressure or harassment prior to the investigation's conclusions. Its statement emphasizes the need for due process in such sensitive matters, asserting that tax auditors should not be treated as scapegoats in the face of public scrutiny or amidst ongoing investigations.

The tone of Unafisco's statement reflects a significant concern for the treatment of tax auditors during such investigations, which can affect their professional integrity and the broader trust in public agencies. Given the delicate nature of the case, where personal data violations are intertwined with high-profile judicial figures, the association is calling for a more measured approach that respects the rights and dignity of all involved until a definitive outcome is achieved.

📡 Similar Coverage