Bolsonaro Planned to Escape to Argentina - Police Found Evidence on His Phone

In a 170-page report, police stated that the document was found on Bolsonaro’s phone in February 2024, just two days after his passport had been confiscated.

The document, reportedly a draft request for political asylum, was addressed to Argentine President Javier Milei and described Bolsonaro as a “politically persecuted person.” However, an Argentine government source said the letter was never received.

Bolsonaro faces more than 40 years in prison on charges of attempting to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election, which he lost to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He denies all accusations, but legal experts believe a conviction is almost inevitable.

Federal police also accuse Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo of attempting to influence the judicial process by lobbying U.S. officials. Eduardo Bolsonaro was in the United States, where, with the backing of former President Donald Trump, he allegedly tried to pressure Brazil’s Supreme Court.

In July, Trump’s tariffs on Brazilian imports and sanctions against Supreme Court justices drew sharp criticism in Brazil. Polls now show rising support for Lula, with more than 70% of Brazilians opposing U.S. interference.

As part of their investigation, police also uncovered infighting within Bolsonaro’s inner circle, including disputes between Jair Bolsonaro, his son Eduardo, and evangelical pastor Silas Malafaia. Malafaia, who is also under investigation, has been banned from leaving the country, The Guardian notes.