Former Bolsonaro Minister Walter Braga Netto Arrested in Brazil Amid Coup Plot Investigations

Brazil's Federal Police detained Gen. Walter Braga Netto, a former Cabinet member under President Jair Bolsonaro and his 2022 running mate. This arrest is linked to an investigation into an alleged coup attempt, according to the Supreme Court. In November, Braga Netto, Bolsonaro, and 35 others were accused of plotting to keep Bolsonaro in power after his unsuccessful reelection bid in 2022. Prosecutors have not yet filed formal charges against Braga Netto.

The arrest on Saturday was due to allegations of obstructing evidence collection, as stated by the Federal Police. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes authorised the arrest request, which was supported by the Prosecutor-General's office. A court statement revealed that police sought preventive detention for Braga Netto after finding "robust evidence" that he tried to uncover what a former Bolsonaro aide, who had signed a plea bargain, was disclosing to authorities.

Investigation Details and Allegations

Authorities executed search and seizure warrants against Braga Netto and his aide, Col. Flávio Botelho Peregrino. Braga Netto previously served as Bolsonaro's chief of staff from 2020 to 2021 and as defence minister from 2021 to 2022. His attorney did not respond to requests for comment, but his legal team indicated they would review police documents before making any statements.

In November, Brazil's Federal Police released the final report of their investigation into the plan to keep Bolsonaro in office by overturning the election of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2022. The report portrays Braga Netto as a leader of the plot, which involved pressuring military leaders to support the coup. The 884-page document outlines a multi-step scheme that included sowing distrust in the electoral system among the public.

Assassination Plot and Financial Support

The investigation also uncovered a plot to assassinate Lula, Vice-President-elect Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Investigators allege that Braga Netto approved this assassination plan during a meeting with plotters at his home. The plan aimed to leave Bolsonaro's ticket as the only valid one in the 2022 runoff.

The police report does not indicate that any assassination attempts were carried out. However, investigators found messages and documents showing that plotters were monitoring de Moraes at the time. The Supreme Court's statement mentioned new evidence suggesting Braga Netto was involved in securing financial resources for the coup plot.

Justice de Moraes led a five-year investigation into fake news and threats against Supreme Court justices. This probe resulted in some far-right allies and supporters being banned from social media or imprisoned. Despite these allegations, Braga Netto, Bolsonaro, and their main allies deny any wrongdoing or involvement, accusing authorities of political persecution.