Brazilian federal police intensified their investigation on Monday by conducting searches on properties associated with Carlos Bolsonaro, the son of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. This development is part of an ongoing probe into suspected illegal spying on political opponents during Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency. The search represents a significant escalation in the fast-evolving spy investigation, directly implicating members of Bolsonaro’s inner circle.
Carlos Bolsonaro, a Rio de Janeiro city councillor, was already under investigation by the Supreme Court for allegedly orchestrating a fake news operation from within the presidential palace. The latest police operation, ordered by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, adds another layer to the legal challenges faced by Carlos Bolsonaro, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing. As the federal police carried out searches on his properties, Bolsonaro did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
The spy probe centers around accusations of illegal surveillance carried out by the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin) during Jair Bolsonaro’s term from 2019 to 2022. The federal police, in their statement, revealed that eight warrants were served on Monday in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, and two other cities. The objective is to identify the key recipients and beneficiaries of information allegedly produced illegally by Abin through covert actions.
Carlos Bolsonaro is now suspected of utilizing data unlawfully collected by Abin, employing an Israeli software called FirstMile. This software has the capability to track the location of private cellphones, as per a federal police source. The suspicion is that Carlos Bolsonaro may have used this data to fuel fake news campaigns against his father’s political opponents.
The former president, Jair Bolsonaro, who is already ruled politically ineligible until 2030 due to his conduct during the 2022 re-election bid, faces multiple legal challenges that could potentially lead to imprisonment. The spy probe has broader implications, as the Brazilian Intelligence Agency is accused of illegal surveillance on Supreme Court justices and a former Lower House speaker during Bolsonaro’s presidency.
A family spokesman, Fabio Wajngarten, stated on X that Jair Bolsonaro and his sons were not present at their beach house in Angra dos Reis during the police operation, as they had left for a fishing trip early in the morning. He also denied reports of the police seizing Carlos Bolsonaro’s cellphone and laptops.
The intensification of the spy probe, with targeted searches involving Carlos Bolsonaro, adds complexity to the legal challenges faced by the Bolsonaro family. As investigations unfold, the outcomes may have far-reaching consequences for the former president and his inner circle, shaping the political landscape in Brazil. The developments underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing allegations of illegal activities within intelligence agencies and their potential impact on democratic institutions.
