Bolsonaro accused in Brazil Spying Scheme Involving Intelligence Agency

‌ ‌Updated June 19, 2025

RIO DE JANEIRO — Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro​ and 35⁣ others face accusations from Brazil’s federal police of participating in a widespread scheme. The scheme allegedly involved using the nation’s intelligence agency too spy on members of the judiciary, lawmakers, ‍and journalists. The Supreme Court released the 1,125-page document Wednesday, adding to the legal‍ troubles of the far-right leader.

The federal police report alleges Bolsonaro ​was aware of the scheme ​and benefited from it. Investigator‌ Daniel ‍Carvalho Brasil ⁢Nascimento identified Carlos Bolsonaro,a Rio de Janeiro councilor and one of ⁤the former president’s sons,as a key player. The investigation⁣ centers on a purported parallel structure within Brazil’s​ intelligence agency and the role it played.

According to the federal police, Bolsonaro and Carlos bolsonaro defined ⁢the criminal association’s strategic guidelines. They allegedly selected targets for clandestine actions against opponents, institutions, and the ​electoral system to gain political advantages. ⁣The police stated they were the decision-makers and primary ⁣beneficiaries of illicit gains.

Bolsonaro, who served as president from 2019 to 2022, is already‌ barred from running in next year’s elections by Brazil’s electoral court. He⁢ is also on trial for allegedly‍ attempting a coup to remain in office after losing the 2022 election to President‌ Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. ⁣Bolsonaro denies any wrongdoing, claiming political persecution.

João ⁤Pedro Padua, a law professor at the⁢ fluminense Federal ⁣University, noted ‌that Bolsonaro ‌faces ⁢a count of leading a criminal organization in the coup case. This prevented federal police from ⁤requesting the same⁤ charge in the current accusations, due to a legal principle against double punishment ⁤for the same act. However, ⁤the evidence can still be used in the coup probe.

Celso Vilardi, Bolsonaro’s lawyer, said he had yet ​to analyze the federal ‌police report and its accusations.

Luiz Fernando ‍Corrêa, ‌head of Brazil’s⁣ intelligence agency under Lula, also faces accusations of undue interference in investigations. Agency staffers issued a‍ statement Tuesday‍ calling for ⁣his resignation. He has not⁣ commented.

The⁤ Supreme ⁤Court will pass the police investigation to Prosecutor-General Paulo gonet, who will decide whether to⁣ take the case to the Supreme Court for trial. Last year, police arrested five people in ⁤connection with ​the case, suspecting misuse of the Brazilian intelligence agency.

Court ⁤documents revealed that several authorities were under illegal investigation. These included‌ former speakers Arthur ​Lira ⁢and ⁣Rodrigo⁣ Maia, Supreme Court justices, officials from Brazil’s environmental agency ⁢Ibama, former sao​ Paulo Gov. João Doria,⁢ and prominent political journalists.

What’s next

Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet will review the investigation and ‌determine whether the‌ Supreme Court will hear the case against ‌Bolsonaro and the others accused⁤ of misusing​ the intelligence agency.