Brazil police accuse Bolsonaro’s son, allies in spy agency surveillance scandal

Brazil’s federal police have formally accused a son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and several of his political allies in a deepening scandal involving the alleged misuse of the country’s intelligence services, local media and a police source confirmed on Tuesday.

The accusations stem from an investigation into illegal surveillance operations reportedly carried out by the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (ABIN) during Bolsonaro’s presidency. According to the probe, ABIN was used to spy on law enforcement authorities and possibly political opponents under the guise of national security.

While a police statement confirmed the conclusion of the high-profile investigation, it stopped short of publicly naming any suspects. However, multiple Brazilian media outlets reported that the list includes Carlos Bolsonaro, a city councilman in Rio de Janeiro and one of the former president’s most influential sons.

Carlos Bolsonaro is accused of orchestrating and benefiting from an ABIN-linked network that allegedly spied on judges, prosecutors, and public officials, in what critics describe as a grave abuse of state power. The surveillance activities reportedly involved tracking personal communications and movements, violating privacy protections enshrined in Brazilian law.

The scandal has sparked renewed scrutiny of the Bolsonaro administration’s use of state institutions to target perceived adversaries. Opposition lawmakers have demanded transparency and accountability, calling for public hearings and legislative oversight into the matter.

While Jair Bolsonaro has not been formally named in the investigation, the mounting allegations against his inner circle have added to his legal troubles. The former president is already under multiple investigations related to alleged election interference, COVID-19 response mismanagement, and the storming of government buildings by his supporters in January 2023.

A spokesperson for Carlos Bolsonaro declined to comment on the latest accusations, saying only that he “has always acted within the law.” Jair Bolsonaro’s legal team also issued a brief statement, denying any knowledge of wrongdoing by his administration and denouncing what they called a politically motivated attack on the Bolsonaro family.

As the case moves forward, prosecutors will determine whether to bring formal charges to court. Legal experts say that if convicted, those involved could face serious penalties, including prison time and bans from holding public office.

The outcome of the investigation may have far-reaching consequences for Brazil’s political landscape, especially as the country approaches municipal elections later this year.