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Brazil’s Federal Police have uncovered a sweeping illegal surveillance operation by the country’s intelligence agency, ABIN, during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro. According to police findings, ABIN used a tracking system called FirstMile to monitor the locations and communications of at least 12 journalists, as well as judges, lawmakers, and civil society members, between 2019 and 2021. Over 60,000 illegal searches were conducted using the software, which was originally acquired to track criminals.
Among the journalists targeted were prominent reporters Monica Bergamo and Reinaldo Azevedo. Authorities say the intent was to discredit reporters and gain political advantages for Bolsonaro and his allies. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) was also reportedly surveilled and has since demanded access to any collected data involving its members.
Federal Police allege the operation was run by a “parallel ABIN,” overseen by Bolsonaro loyalists and tied closely to his son, Carlos Bolsonaro. The team is accused of transforming the agency into a political tool to track critics, leak discrediting information, and protect the former president’s interests. The investigation revealed that the surveillance targeted journalists covering sensitive political stories and public figures perceived as opponents of Bolsonaro.
While Bolsonaro himself has not yet been formally charged in connection with the espionage scheme, the Supreme Court is reviewing the case and may refer it to federal prosecutors. The scandal is unfolding alongside Bolsonaro’s ongoing trial related to his alleged attempts to overturn Brazil’s 2022 election results.
The revelation has triggered outrage among press freedom advocates. RSF and other media watchdogs condemned the surveillance as a serious threat to democracy and journalistic independence. They emphasized that such politically motivated spying endangers the safety of journalists and undermines the public’s right to information.
The case highlights deep concerns over the misuse of state intelligence tools and adds to the growing list of legal troubles facing the former president and his inner circle. Investigations are ongoing, and calls for full transparency and accountability are mounting.
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Brazil’s intelligence agency spied on reporters to discredit them, police say