Brazil's ex-president Bolsonaro targeted rivals through spy agency

Brazil’s ex-president accused of leading illegal spy operation

Mohan Sinha
23 Jun 2025, 23:58 GMT+10

Brazil's ex-president Bolsonaro targeted rivals through spy agency

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is accused of playing a key role in an illegal surveillance operation orchestrated by the intelligence agency ABIN, aimed at targeting his political adversaries during his presidency
The Supreme Court, which made the report public, revealed that the group utilized ABIN to spy on political rivals and public institutions while also spreading disinformation
The evidence supporting these claims includes testimonies, documents obtained from searches, and other materials, highlighting Bolsonaro as the "main beneficiary" of this surveillance scheme

BRASILIA, Brazil: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is accused of playing a key role in an illegal surveillance operation orchestrated by the intelligence agency ABIN, aimed at targeting his political adversaries during his presidency, according to a federal police report released this week.

The Supreme Court, which made the report public, revealed that the group utilized ABIN to spy on political rivals and public institutions while also spreading disinformation. The evidence supporting these claims includes testimonies, documents obtained from searches, and other materials, highlighting Bolsonaro as the "main beneficiary" of this surveillance scheme.

Bolsonaro's lawyer, Celso Vilardi, stated that he had not yet reviewed the police report and therefore could not provide any comments. Although the report implicates Bolsonaro, law enforcement did not formally charge him, though over 30 others were accused.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes disclosed the findings after various media reports conflicted following leaks concerning the case. The police indicated possible connections between the ABIN investigation and a separate inquiry into a purported coup attempt, where Bolsonaro already faces charges.

The Prosecutor General's Office of Brazil will determine whether to bring charges against Bolsonaro regarding the surveillance allegations. Among those who faced formal accusations is Carlos Bolsonaro, the former president's son and a city councilor in Rio de Janeiro, who is alleged to be involved in criminal activities. He has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the investigation is a tactic to damage him politically ahead of the upcoming elections.

Additionally, the report named Alexandre Ramagem, who served as the head of ABIN under Bolsonaro, and the current agency head, Luiz Fernando Correa. Ramagem faces allegations of participation in a criminal organization and misusing ABIN, while Correa is suspected of hindering the police inquiry into the agency's activities.

Ramagem has not yet commented but mentioned on X that he would review the accusations once he obtained the police report. As of June 18, ABIN has not responded to a request for comment.