Brazil’s federal police accuse ex-president of leading espionage scheme

Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused ex-President Jair Bolsonaro of orchestrating an espionage scheme during his time in office.

The investigation revealed that the intelligence service under Bolsonaro’s administration allegedly carried out surveillance on individuals considered political opponents, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

Carlos Bolsonaro, the ex-president’s son, is reported to have led this covert operation, while Jair Bolsonaro himself reportedly benefited from public attacks against those targeted. Additionally, the leadership of the intelligence agency was implicated in attempts to obstruct the ongoing investigations into these activities. The espionage network reportedly involved a total of 35 individuals.

On June 12, Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo wrote that Bolsonaro, suspected of orchestrating a conspiracy against incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, could face arrest and sentencing by October. On June 10, a court proceeding in which Bolsonaro was the defendant concluded. His lawyers had five days to request a retrial, but it is highly likely that the court will reject their petition. Following this, the judge is expected to submit a list of charges to the prosecutor’s office within 15 days, based on which Bolsonaro could be convicted. The final verdict is anticipated to be enforced no later than October.

By Naila Huseynova