In a significant development, the Brazilian Federal Police initiated a widespread operation on Thursday, targeting former President Jair Bolsonaro along with numerous close advisors and ex-ministers. The operation, part of an ongoing investigation, aims to uncover alleged attempts to subvert Brazil’s 2022 election and other associated crimes.
Under the operation, the federal police executed 33 search warrants and four arrest warrants. Additionally, the agency imposed restrictions on 15 individuals, requiring them to surrender their passports, refrain from leaving the country, and avoid contact with other subjects under investigation.
Former President Bolsonaro found himself directly implicated in the operation and is expected to surrender his passport within the stipulated 24-hour timeframe, as confirmed by his spokesperson.
Among the targets of the raids were several prominent figures, including Brazil’s former defense secretary, former intelligence chief, former justice minister, and former head of the Navy. Notably, Bolsonaro’s running mate and the leader of his political party were also subject to the police action.
The overarching investigation covers a spectrum of allegations, ranging from suspicions of an attempted coup to attacks on Brazil’s electoral infrastructure, as well as controversies surrounding Covid-19 vaccines. Authorities are also probing into allegations of falsifying vaccination records and embezzlement of government funds and foreign gifts meant for the president.
Leading up to Brazil’s 2022 election, Bolsonaro consistently cast doubts on the integrity of the nation’s electoral systems, preemptively alleging fraud in case of an unfavorable outcome. Despite losing the election to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro refrained from conceding defeat unequivocally. Instead, his supporters orchestrated prolonged protests, culminating in a riot in January 2023 targeting Brazil’s Congress, Supreme Court, and presidential offices.
Bolsonaro’s efforts to undermine Brazil’s voting systems have already resulted in his disqualification from running for office until 2030. However, Thursday’s operation suggests that authorities suspect a more orchestrated endeavor by the former president and his allies to cling to power following his electoral defeat.
In response to the developments, Bolsonaro vehemently denied any wrongdoing, labeling the operation as politically motivated persecution. Speaking to Folha de São Paulo, a Brazilian newspaper, he maintained his innocence, emphasizing his departure from the government over a year ago and deflecting attention to the current administration.
The raids and subsequent developments mark a critical juncture in Brazil’s political landscape, underscoring the deep-seated tensions and allegations of impropriety surrounding the country’s recent electoral processes.
