Gov’t restores $1.84 billion to public coffers this year

Brazil’s Ministry of Transparency brought back to public coffers $1.84 billion January–November this year through internal control measures taken by the federal government. The figure was unveiled during an event celebrating the International Anti-Corruption Day (Dec. 9).

Last year, the measures carried out by the ministry were able to recover $1,18 billion. The total amount spared through control actions from 2012 to November 2018 adds up to 7.59 billion. Sums include bids and contracts canceled, the refund of amount unduly paid, cost reductions, among others.

By suspending undue payment to Brazil’s National Social Security Institute (INSS), $1.5 billion is reported to have been spared. The figure stems from the total of 96 thousand benefits to be paid to already deceased individuals.

“We don’t aim to take benefits from anyone who needs it. What we want is for money to reach those who really need to receive it. Fraud branches out, and it happens at the end. Our contribution focuses on the creation of tools to crosscheck data and on problem detection so managers can adopt measures to prevent these funds from being siphoned off,” said Transparency Minister Wagner Rosário.