The Brazilian spy agency under Bolsonaro is accused of snooping on judges and politicians

In papers released by the Supreme Court on Thursday, January 25, 2024, it is alleged that under Jair Bolsonaro’s Administration, Brazil’s Abin espionage agency illegally surveilled at least three Supreme Court Justices as well as a former speaker of the Lower House.

The records were released not long after Congressman Alexandre Ramagem, Bolsonaro’s Former Chief spy, was linked to searches conducted by Brazil’s Federal Police. During his leadership of Abin from 2019 to 2022, Ramagem is suspected of masterminding the illicit spying against Bolsonaro’s enemies.

Bolsonaro’s legal problems keep becoming worse as a result of the Supreme Court probe. The far-right former Army Captain is currently the subject of many criminal investigations that might result in his imprisonment, and he has already been declared politically ineligible until 2030 due to his actions during the 2022 Presidential race.

The ruling reviewed that authorized the raids on Thursday, January 25, 2024 claims that Abin unlawfully surveilled at least three Supreme Court judges, the former speaker of the Lower House, and a lawyer involved in the 2018 death of Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco. Abagem reportedly gave the order for this surveillance former Federal Police officer and Bolsonaro supporter Ramagem, who intends to run for Rio mayor, claimed the court decision was unjustified.

He stated that using a combination of antiquated narratives and out-of-date narratives is a way to criminally accuse people without any evidence.

Ramagen’s suspension from Congress was also requested by Brazil’s Federal Police, but it was turned down by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who approved the police raids and stated that there was no reason to remove Ramagen from Congress “currently.”

Additionally, Abin was reportedly used to sabotage investigations into Jair Renan Bolsonaro, the second son of the former President, and to write reports for Flavio Bolsonaro, the former President’s son, in support of him in a corruption case.

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In a response, Flavio Bolsonaro refuted the claim that Abin had acted to his advantage. Bolsonaro Jair Renan declined to comment. A request for a response from the former President’s spokeswoman was not immediately answered.

The Federal Police conducted 21 search and seizure raids in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, and other places earlier on Thursday, January 25, 2024. According to a Police source, cellphones and computers were taken from one of Ramagem’s residences, including one that belonged to Abin.