Brazil's Spy Agency Scandal: Abin's Alleged Role in Protecting Bolsonaro's Son

Documents from the Supreme Court have revealed that Brazil's Abin spy agency was used to unlawfully monitor tax auditors investigating former President Jair Bolsonaro's son, Flavio Bolsonaro. The exposé adds to Bolsonaro's legal troubles amid ongoing probes and accusations. Flavio Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing.

Brazil's Abin spy agency was implicated in illegally monitoring tax auditors investigating ex-President Jair Bolsonaro's son, Flavio, Supreme Court documents unsealed on Thursday revealed.

This latest disclosure intensifies Bolsonaro's growing legal issues. Already declared politically ineligible until 2030, he faces accusations ranging from misappropriation of state-gifted jewelry to falsifying COVID-19 vaccine records.

Thursday also saw Brazilian police conducting search-and-seizure raids linked to ongoing investigations into Abin's alleged surveillance practices, which targeted Supreme Court justices, journalists, and lawmakers during Bolsonaro's tenure.

Abin's espionage aimed to discredit tax auditors probing Flavio Bolsonaro during his term as a Rio de Janeiro councilman, according to Reuters' observation of the court-approved raids.

Flavio Bolsonaro, now a senator, denied any involvement, suggesting the investigation's details were leaked to tarnish former Abin head Alexandre Ramagem's mayoral run. Jair Bolsonaro and Ramagem's representatives did not immediately comment.

(With inputs from agencies.)