Indictment of Carlos Bolsonaro and Others for Illegal Spying
On Tuesday, Brazilian federal police charged Carlos Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, alongside Rep. Alexander Ramagem, current head of Brazil’s Intelligence Agency, and over 30 others. They’re accused of engaging in illegal spying activities known as “parallel Abin” during Jair Bolsonaro’s term.
These allegations reportedly stem from actions led by Carlos Bolsonaro, who serves as a city councillor in Rio de Janeiro. It’s claimed he utilized a so-called “cabinet of hatred” to exploit information acquired unlawfully through this “parallel Abin” operation.
According to Brazilian authorities, Rep. Ramagem was allegedly the mastermind behind the illegal espionage scheme, coordinating with the current head of the Intelligence Agency. It’s also suggested that the current left-wing president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, intervened to curb investigations into this matter.
Multiple media outlets reported that while Jair Bolsonaro was named in the charges, he did not face prosecution due to existing similar charges he is already contesting, which involved a broader “coup” plot. Thus, authorities could not bring new charges for what effectively duplicated actions currently in play.
The federal police indicated that they believe Bolsonaro was aware of and benefited from the supposed illicit activities aimed at monitoring individuals and public institutions. Despite evidence linking him to the group’s operations, the former president has not yet been formally charged in this particular investigation.
This indictment follows an extended investigation launched a year and a half ago targeting illegal surveillance during an operation called “Close Surveillance.” Reports suggest that the operation made use of FirstMile, a software from an Israeli company, allowing access to a large number of mobile phone trackers during Bolsonaro’s administration.
A list allegedly compiled during this operation included notable figures such as judges from Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court and other government officials, lawmakers, and journalists.
In response, Carlos Bolsonaro expressed his doubts about the federal police’s motives, hinting that the timing of the charges is suspicious ahead of the 2026 elections.
Rep. Ramagem dismissed the allegations as a narrative fabricated by law enforcement, asserting his intent to rigorously scrutinize the details of the final report when available.
Ramagem further claimed that Carlos’s inclusion in the indictment was based on irrelevant communications that had nothing to do with the Abin structure once he was elected as a deputy.
In the midst of the unfolding situation, it’s important to note that Carlos Bolsonaro’s indictment is just one of many legal challenges the Bolsonaro family is currently facing. His father, former president Jair Bolsonaro, is implicated in various legal issues ranging from election interference to other allegations surrounding his presidency.
Additionally, another son, Rep. Eduardo Bolsonaro, is under scrutiny related to potential U.S. sanctions for allegedly attempting to undermine judicial authority in Brazil.
