Paraguay summons Brazil ambassador over alleged cyberattack for confidential energy information

Paraguay’s government has summoned Brazilian Ambassador Jose Antonio Marcondes to address concerns over an “intelligence action” linked to gathering information on the Itaipu power plant.

This has been confirmed through a government statement released on April 1, Caliber.Az reports citing Brazilian media.

Negotiations regarding the Itaipu hydroelectric power plant, initially set to conclude by the end of May, have been suspended until Brazil provides further clarification, Paraguayan officials stated. Brazil acknowledged on March 31 that an operation had taken place in June 2022 with authorization from former President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration.

The admission followed a report from Brazilian news outlet UOL, which claimed that Brazil’s intelligence agency Abin attempted to hack Paraguayan authorities. However, Brazil asserted that the operation was later called off. Paraguay has since launched an investigation into the suspected cyberattack, which allegedly targeted government systems to extract sensitive details regarding the Itaipu tariff agreement, the report added. 

The Itaipu power plant is a joint venture between Paraguay and Brazil. Brazil’s foreign ministry issued a statement late March 3, asserting that President Lula’s administration “categorically denies any involvement in the intelligence action.” According to the official statement, the operation was terminated in March 2023 as soon as the current administration became aware of it. 

By Nazrin Sadigova