Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro’s Whereabouts Unclear After Passport Order
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Brazilian authorities canceled Flávio Bolsonaro’s passports after he failed to meet a court deadline in a money-laundering case, while reports suggest he may have headed to the United States. His lawyers say they have no information on where he is.
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Senator Flávio Bolsonaro to surrender his passports within 24 hours as part of a money-laundering investigation. The deadline passed without compliance, and the court then canceled the documents, underscoring the serious legal scrutiny surrounding the Bolsonaro camp.
Reports from Reuters, CNN Brasil, NBC News and local Brazilian outlets indicate that Bolsonaro may have traveled to the United States, citing sources familiar with his plans. The BBC has not independently verified the claim and has sought comments from the U.S. State Department, the White House, and the respective embassies.
Bolsonaro's legal team told the BBC they are "completely in the dark" about his whereabouts and cannot provide a statement. Campaign manager Rogério Marinho is expected to comment once more information is available.
In a recent video posted to social media, Bolsonaro said he had no intention of leaving Brazil and would continue his opposition to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. However, his brother Eduardo, who lives in Texas, previously told podcaster Steven Crowder that he would prefer Flávio to leave the country if he lost the election.
Vice-presidential candidate Alfredo Gaspar expressed solidarity with Bolsonaro and his family in a post on X, offering prayers for their safety.
The situation follows President Donald Trump's remarks describing Brazil's recent election as "rigged" and "so terrible," comments that have been noted for their harsh and politically charged tone toward the electoral process.