Brazil Supreme Court Orders Flávio Bolsonaro to Surrender Passports in Money Laundering Probe

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered the seizure of passports belonging to Flávio Bolsonaro, a senator and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. The ruling, issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, directs federal police to confiscate the senator’s travel documents, effectively restricting his movement while authorities examine alleged financial irregularities. Flávio Bolsonaro, who represents Rio de Janeiro, has denied wrongdoing and called the measure political persecution. The case stems from a broader inquiry into suspicious transactions involving former aides and family members, with prosecutors alleging a scheme known as 'rachadinha'—the practice of siphoning salaries from public employees. This development intensifies legal pressure on the Bolsonaro family, who face multiple investigations following the former president’s 2022 election defeat. The Supreme Court’s action signals a firm stance against corruption allegations among high-profile political figures. With the senator now grounded in Brazil, the inquiry’s next phase could reveal further details about the alleged money laundering network, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.