Kléber Cabral, the president of Unafisco Nacional, highlights that recent actions by Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) have rendered the monitoring of so-called politically exposed persons a hazardous job for tax auditors. Following a public criticism of Justice Alexandre de Moraes's orders that led to the summoning of auditors, Cabral detailed how these actions have impacted the auditing process, especially focusing on the dangers associated with overseeing individuals in positions of power. The implication of such intimidation suggests a chilling effect on the transparency and accountability efforts of tax officials.

Cabral recounted the history of STF's involvement in cases regarding the Federal Revenue Service, particularly referencing an incident from 2019 when Moraes suspended two auditors over suspicions of leaking information regarding relatives of ministers. This incident not only raised concerns about the independence of auditors but also emphasized the precarious nature of their work, particularly given the potential for political backlash from their oversight activities. Returning to the present, Cabral refrained from commenting on his own summons but underscored the systemic risks auditors face while trying to perform their duties.

The entire situation raises significant concerns about the role of the judiciary in influencing the functions of tax authorities and the implications for the integrity of financial oversight in Brazil. Given the increasingly contentious political environment, where auditing can easily become entangled with political dynamics, the need for a clear and protected framework for auditors becomes more urgent. Cabral’s insights point towards a growing apprehension within the auditing community regarding how judiciary actions might shape their capacity to uphold fiscal accountability.