Authorities target Bolsonaro supporters in large-scale search, seizures in Brazil

Bala Chambers

BUENOS AIRES (AA) - Federal Police in Brazil carried out large-scale search and seizure warrants Thursday for supporters of outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro suspected of taking part in anti-democratic acts following the presidential election in October.

The operation was authorized by Federal Supreme Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes in relation to nationwide roadblocks.

De Moraes "authorized a mega-operation carried out this Thursday (15) by the Federal Police in eight Brazilian states - Acre, Amazonas, Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Rondônia and Santa Catarina - and in the Federal District against anti-democratic acts," according to a statement by the STF.

It added that de Moraes ordered 103 search and seizure measures, four arrest warrants, alongside several other measures including the seizure of passports, breaching of private banking details, blocking of bank accounts and 168 social media accounts for those suspected of organizing and financing "the abolition of the democratic rule of law and other crimes."

It said suspects had spread "non-compliance" and "disrespect" about the election result.

It did not name targets of the operation but said two state deputies were being investigated.

The Correio Brazilizense newspaper suggested that the operation was the largest-ever search and seizure operation targeting anti-democratic acts in Brazil.

Federal Police seized 11 arms and ammunition in one undisclosed location, according to the G1 news agency.

Bolsonaro lost to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a tight race Oct. 30. Lula garnered 50.9% of the vote to Bolsonaro’s 49.1%, according to Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

In the aftermath, Bolsonaro supporters demonstrated with many blocking highways across the country and pushing the military to intervene.

On Nov. 17, De Moraes blocked assets belonging to 43 companies and those suspected of financially backing anti-democratic acts. Most were in the state of Mato Grosso.