Flavio Bolsonaro Reportedly Flees Brazil Amid Criminal Investigations

Did Flavio Bolsonaro manage to flee Brazil despite a ban on leaving the country? Argentine news outlet Infobae reported Tuesday that the opposition candidate, who lost this week’s presidential election, crossed the border into Argentina and is now making his way to the United States. However, the claim is based on a single report that has not yet been verified. Argentina’s immigration authority denied having any record of his entry into the country, while a politician close to his election campaign also rejected the claims. Brazil’s federal police are investigating the matter.

The report comes after Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered the confiscation of all Bolsonaro’s passports, including his diplomatic passport, within 24 hours and barred him from leaving the country. The order was issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who previously presided over the trial of his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.

The decision stems from criminal investigations into the senator over suspected corruption and money laundering. One investigation involves the suspected laundering of approximately £680 million through gambling companies, while another concerns around £20 million in financing for a biographical film about his father. As part of the restrictions, Bolsonaro was also prohibited from contacting attorney Wheeler Tomaz, who is linked to the gambling companies.

Concerns that he might flee grew after his brother, Eduardo, suggested that he leave Brazil if he lost the election. Bolsonaro rejected the claims at the time: “I never thought about leaving the country. I will hand over my passports and defend myself against this absurdity, which is a clear attempt to intimidate me.”

Meanwhile, although his party acknowledged the election results, Bolsonaro has refused to concede defeat to President Lula da Silva and intends to challenge his victory, alleging “abuse of economic power.” His Senate term is set to end early next year, when he will lose his immunity after 24 years in public office.