Federal Police directors offer their resignations in support of chief suspended by Mendonça

Brazil's Federal Police leadership has offered its positions to the acting director-general in a show of support for suspended chief Andrei Rodrigues and Intelligence Director Leandro Almada.

Eleven directors signed a joint statement on Tuesday rejecting what they described as attacks on the two officials. They said the accusations were unfounded and denied any attempt to portray the officials or the Federal Police as acting improperly. "We reject every attempt to attribute improper conduct to them or to the Federal Police," the directors wrote.

The move came during a wider crisis over the command of the agency. On Tuesday, the Second Panel of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court formed a majority to uphold an order by Justice André Mendonça keeping Rodrigues away from the Federal Police leadership. The proceeding was suspended after Justice Gilmar Mendes requested more time to review the case.

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We reject every attempt to attribute improper conduct to them or to the Federal Police.

The directors described Rodrigues's career as technical, impartial and responsible. They said criticism of the agency's leadership had been shaped by political interests, writing that "narratives clearly influenced by political and electoral interests do not have the power to erase anyone's history, reputation or professional record."

They said the statement sought to defend the institution against attacks and attempts to usurp its functions, while preserving its ability to promote justice and defend the democratic rule of law. Among those offering their positions was Dennis Cali, director of investigations and the fight against organized crime and corruption, the Federal Police division handling investigations related to Banco Master. The statement also included directors responsible for administrative police, cybercrime, international cooperation, personnel, scientific and technical work, administration and logistics, police academy training, personal protection, information technology and innovation, and the Amazon and environment.

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narratives clearly influenced by political and electoral interests do not have the power to erase anyone's history, reputation or professional record.