Bolsonaro Implicated in Alleged Illegal Surveillance by Brazil’s Intelligence Agency

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been named as the main beneficiary in an alleged illegal surveillance operation orchestrated by Brazil’s intelligence agency, ABIN, during his presidency, according to a federal police report released by the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

The report accuses over 30 individuals of participating in a criminal organization that used ABIN to spy on political opponents, undermine state institutions, and spread disinformation. Though Bolsonaro is not formally charged, the report links him directly to the surveillance scheme.

Carlos Bolsonaro, the former president’s son and a Rio de Janeiro city councilor, was formally accused. Police claim he was actively involved in the illegal activities. Carlos denies wrongdoing, calling the investigation a political attack ahead of the 2026 elections.

The Supreme Court made the findings public following conflicting media reports after initial leaks. Justice Alexandre de Moraes emphasized the importance of transparency in the ongoing investigation.

Authorities also highlighted possible connections between the surveillance scheme and a separate investigation into an alleged coup plot, in which Jair Bolsonaro is already a defendant. The Prosecutor General’s Office will decide whether to press charges against him in this latest case.

Among those formally accused are Alexandre Ramagem, former ABIN chief under Bolsonaro, and Luiz Fernando Correa, the agency's current head. Ramagem is alleged to have used ABIN for criminal purposes, while Correa is accused of obstructing the investigation.

Bolsonaro’s lawyer, Celso Vilardi, said he had not yet reviewed the police report and therefore could not comment. ABIN has not responded to recent media inquiries.

This development adds further legal pressure on Bolsonaro amid ongoing investigations into his administration’s conduct.