He used a criminal network to monitor journalists, judges, and politicians by hacking into their cell phones and computers.

On Tuesday, Brazil’s Federal Police accused former President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) and other members of his administration of illegally using the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (ABIN) to spy on public figures.

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After concluding the investigation, informally known as “Parallel ABIN,” the federal police submitted its report to the Supreme Court, which must now forward it to the Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether to file charges or request further investigation.

The investigation found that ABIN officers and officials formed a criminal organization to monitor journalists, members of the judiciary and opposition politicians by hacking into their cellphones and computers. Bolsonaro was aware of the operation and benefited from the illegal surveillance.

Police also accused 30 individuals, including ABIN’s current director, Luiz Fernando Correa, and Rio de Janeiro city councilman Carlos Bolsonaro, who allegedly managed the collected data to publicly attack those under surveillance.

Começamos bem o dia: A PF indiciou Bolsonaro, Carluxo e Ramagem pelo sistema de espionagem da “Abin Paralela”. Ao todo mais de 30 pessoas foram indiciadas pelo esquema criminoso, que era utilizado para espionar adversários e disseminar informações falsas. Sigamos vigilantes para… pic.twitter.com/lIPDh7zuU7

— Fernanda Melchionna (@fernandapsol) June 17, 2025

The text reads, “We started the day on the right foot: the Federal Police charged Bolsonaro, Carluxo, and Ramagem for the Parallel ABIN espionage system. Over 30 people were charged in this criminal scheme, used to spy on opponents and spread false information. Let’s stay alert so they don’t escape and are arrested soon.”

Bolsonaro is already on trial in the Supreme Court for leading an attempted coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 presidential election to Workers’ Party leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Brazil’s Prosecutor’s Office alleges that Bolsonaro and his inner circle conspired to enact emergency measures, including a state of siege, in an effort to overturn the election results and prevent Lula’s inauguration on Jan. 1, 2023.

If convicted, the far-right politician and the other defendants could face prison sentences ranging from 12 to 40 years.

With all of Israel's US-supported war crimes against Iran, the fact that Jair Bolsonaro incriminated himself in his trial for plotting to enact a military coup was buried in the news cycle. Here's my wrap of the trial this week for @telesurenglish pic.twitter.com/F6r2pbI2zO

— BrianMier (@BrianMteleSUR) June 15, 2025

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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