Brazil’s Former President Bolsonaro Accused of Running Illegal Spy Network

Brazil’s Federal Police have accused former president Jair Bolsonaro, his son Carlos Bolsonaro, and 34 others of running an illegal espionage scheme using the country’s intelligence agency, ABIN, during Bolsonaro’s presidency.

The accusations, made public through official police and court documents, describe a “parallel structure” that targeted political opponents, judges, lawmakers, journalists, and public officials from 2019 to 2023.

The Supreme Court unsealed a 1,125-page report that details the operation and its beneficiaries. Investigators found that Jair Bolsonaro and Carlos Bolsonaro directed the group’s strategy and chose its targets.

The police say they were the main recipients of information collected through illegal surveillance. The operation used ABIN’s resources and specialized software, including FirstMile, developed by Israeli firm Cognyte, to monitor communications and track individuals.

The targets included Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, São Paulo’s former governor João Doria, Chamber of Deputies President Arthur Lira, and journalists from major Brazilian newspapers.

The police report states that the network aimed to protect Bolsonaro’s family from legal scrutiny, undermine political rivals, and influence Brazil’s electoral system.

Prosecutors allege the group also monitored tax auditors investigating Flavio Bolsonaro, the president’s eldest son, in a corruption probe. The report links the espionage to efforts to impede investigations and attack the credibility of institutions.

Brazil’s Intelligence Scandal Deepens

The investigation led to formal charges against Carlos Bolsonaro, former ABIN director Alexandre Ramagem, and current ABIN chief Luiz Fernando Corrêa. Corrêa, appointed by President Lula, faces accusations of obstructing the investigation and misconduct.

The prosecutor general will decide whether to file formal charges against Jair Bolsonaro and others. The case highlights significant risks for Brazil’s political and business environment.

The Federal Police’s findings add to Bolsonaro’s legal troubles, as he already faces charges related to an alleged coup attempt after the 2022 election.

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