Police find photo of lawyer linked to INSS fraud with lawmakers

Brazil's Federal Police have uncovered a photograph showing lawyer Willer Tomaz, a central figure in the 'Operação Sem Desconto' investigation into fraud at the National Social Security Institute (INSS), in a swimming pool with at least eight federal deputies and senators. The image was reportedly found on the mobile phone of Senator Weverton Rocha (PDT-MA), who is also under investigation.

The photograph, revealed by piauí magazine, includes deputies Arthur Lira (PP-AL), Juscelino Filho (PSDB-MA), Elmar Nascimento (União-BA), and Paulo Azi (União-BA), as well as senators Efraim Filho (União-PB) and Angelo Coronel (Republicanos-BA). Former intelligence agency director Alexandre Ramagem (PL-RJ) is also visible in the picture.

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I repudiate the disclosure of a photograph of my private life, illegally leaked and without any relation to my professional activity or the reported facts. I have never been involved in the facts being investigated in Operation Sem Desconto and I am not listed as an investigated party.

Willer Tomaz, who was subject to search and seizure warrants last Tuesday, is being investigated for alleged money laundering on behalf of Weverton Rocha, linked to the INSS fraud scheme. Tomaz issued a statement condemning the "illegal leak" of a private photograph unrelated to his professional activities or the investigation. He asserted he has no involvement in the 'Operação Sem Desconto' and is not a suspect.

Senator Weverton Rocha stated he would request action from the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to investigate the "criminal leak of personal photos aimed at distorting facts and reputations." He suggested the leak, lacking connection to the operation, demonstrates a "political-electoral bias." Paulo Azi confirmed knowing Tomaz and the meeting, while Angelo Coronel recalled visiting Tomaz's property but not the specific trip. The offices of Arthur Lira, Juscelino Filho, Efraim Filho, Elmar Nascimento, and Alexandre Ramagem had not responded by the time of publication.

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The leak of this photo, which has no connection to Operation Sem Desconto, just as my family has none, only shows how much this action unfortunately has a political-electoral bias.