An investigation by federal police has uncovered allegations that Brazil's intelligence agency spied on members of the judiciary, lawmakers, and journalists during the administration of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Court records revealed that prominent figures such as Chamber Speaker Arthur Lira, Supreme Justice Alexandre de Moraes, former governor of Sao Paulo João Dória, and members of the environmental agency Ibama were among those targeted.
The investigation led to the issuance of five preventive arrest warrants aimed at dismantling a criminal organization that allegedly engaged in illegal monitoring of public authorities and the dissemination of fake news using systems from Brazil's intelligence agency, ABIN. The group operated a parallel structure and unlawfully accessed computers, telephone devices, and telecommunications infrastructure to monitor individuals and public officials.
The arrest warrants targeted individuals such as a former member of the Secretariat of Social Communication, a businessman, an influencer, a federal police officer, and a military officer. While former President Bolsonaro is not formally accused of ordering the espionage, the police investigation revealed that ABIN had been misused to monitor individuals linked to investigations involving Bolsonaro's family members.
The police report also indicated that the group sought to interfere in various police probes, including those involving Bolsonaro's sons. The suspects are facing charges related to criminal organization, attempted subversion of the democratic rule of law, clandestine interception of communications, and invasion of computer devices.
The investigation highlighted the use of a software called FirstMile, developed by an Israeli company, by the group under the leadership of former intelligence chief Alexandre Ramagem. The Attorney General's Office stated that the evidence points to the existence of a broader criminal organization focused on attacking opponents, institutions, and the Republican system.
This case adds to a series of legal issues linking Bolsonaro to alleged wrongdoings during his presidency. Last week, he was indicted on charges of embezzlement, asset laundering, and criminal association in connection with luxury jewelry from Saudi Arabia. In addition, he was declared ineligible to run in any elections until 2030 for casting doubts on Brazil's electronic voting system.
Victims of the alleged illegal spying expressed outrage, with Senator Alessandro Vieira condemning the actions as typical of dictatorial governments. Senator Randolfe Rodrigues criticized the previous government for prioritizing persecution and monitoring of political opponents over addressing the COVID-19 pandemic that claimed over 700,000 lives in Brazil.
