Federal Police Investigates Fraud in Exam and Blocks R$ 1.7 Million
Federal Police Investigates Fraud in 2025 Exam, Executes Warrants in Paraná and Blocks Up to R$ 1.72 Million in Assets and Financial Resources
The Federal Police launched Operation False Merit on Thursday to investigate suspected fraud in the public tender conducted by the institution itself in 2025. The action took place in three units of the Federation, including the Paraná, and resulted in the fulfillment of court orders, as well as the blocking of values and the seizure of assets.
The investigation involves six people suspected of participating in irregularities in the selection process. In addition to the possible frauds in the Federal Police contest, the investigators find evidence of criminal association and money laundering.
The measures were authorized by the 3rd Federal Court of Campo Grande, in Mato Grosso do Sul, and include three temporary arrest warrants and eight search and seizure warrants, executed in Paraná, in Santa Catarina and in the Federal District.
Approved candidates are targets of the investigation
Among those investigated are candidates who have obtained approval in the 2025 Federal Police contest. The corporation has also adopted measures to prevent any irregularly obtained benefits from resulting in functional advantages.
One of the suspects was disconnected from the professional training course held at the National Police Academy. Another investigator, who had been approved for the position of scribe, was prevented from taking office.
The decisions seek to avoid that possible irregularities identified during the investigation have permanent consequences on the staff of the institution.
Justice orders blocking of R$ 1.72 million
In addition to the measures against those investigated, the Justice authorized actions to ensure the preservation of patrimony that may be related to the crimes investigated.
Among the determinations are the seizure of a high-value vehicle and a property, as well as the blocking of up to R$ 1.72 million in financial assets.
The property restrictions are part of the precautionary measures adopted during the investigation and do not represent, in themselves, a conviction of those involved.
PF's competition had already been the target of investigation
The suspicions of irregularities in the 2025 contest are not unprecedented. The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) had already investigated possible frauds related to the selection and filed, in 2026, a complaint against ten people.
However, so far, there is no confirmation of a link between this previous denunciation and Operation False Merit, unleashed on Thursday.
Investigations continue to clarify the involvement of suspects and identify possible criminal responsibilities. The parties involved have the right to broad defence and the presumption of innocence.
