Brazil revokes Bolsonaro’s passports
On Tuesday, Brazilian authorities revoked Senator Flávio Bolsonaro’s passports after he failed to comply with a Supreme Court order to surrender them, following the unexpected election victory of socialist Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The defeated presidential candidate was barred from leaving Brazil amid investigations into alleged financial crimes, which he denies. Conflicting reports about his movements have intensified uncertainty over whether he remains in the country.
Supreme Court Order Ignored
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Bolsonaro to hand over his travel documents within 24 hours as part of an alleged money-laundering investigation. The order covered his ordinary and diplomatic passports, along with any foreign passports he holds. Bolsonaro called the measure politically motivated. He denied wrongdoing in the underlying probe, which concerns alleged money laundering.
The passport cancellation is a procedural restriction, not a criminal conviction. The investigations remain allegations. Flávio Bolsonaro is under investigation over alleged links to Brazilian lawyer Willer Tomaz, who is accused of laundering more than $1 billion through a fraud scheme, according to court documents reviewed by The New York Times. Bolsonaro and Tomaz both deny wrongdoing. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Supreme Court was examining alleged misconduct connected with online gambling and fundraising for a film about Bolsonaro’s father, former president Jair Bolsonaro. These accusations have not been established as criminal findings.
Uncertainty Over Bolsonaro’s Location
Bolsonaro’s movements remain disputed. Argentine outlet Infobae reported he had traveled through Argentina, prompting speculation he intended to fly to the United States. However, Argentina’s government said it had no official record of his entry. Brazil’s Federal Police were examining border crossings.
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Agência Brasil reported suspicions Bolsonaro used an identity document to cross into Argentina before a planned private jet journey to the U.S. That account remained unconfirmed. Reuters later cited two sources saying Bolsonaro had left for the United States. However, the lack of a confirmed itinerary means the Argentine route is not established fact. Authorities ordered an investigation into alleged foreign campaign funding and other possible outside interference following the election. That inquiry should not be conflated with the existing financial probes.
Bolsonaro was favored to win Sunday’s presidential election but lost in a shock result to Lula da Silva. The travel restrictions are part of judicial proceedings, not an automatic consequence of losing the election.
In the evening the U.S. Department of State announced that Flávio Bolsonaro and his family will obtain visas to enter the United States. Our community already has nearly 345,000 readers!
