Brazil police raid ex-President Bolsonaro’s home, fit ankle tag amid flight risk concern

Police in Brazil swooped on the home and political headquarters of Jair Bolsonaro early Friday, searching the properties, ordering the former president to wear an electronic ankle tag, barring him from speaking to foreign officials or approaching embassies and prohibiting him from using social media.

The restrictions, ordered by Brazil’s Supreme Court, were motivated by concerns that Bolsonaro would flee to the United States, CNN affiliate CNN Brasil reported.

Federal police also seized an unspecified amount of US dollars in cash, CNN Brazil said.

Bolsonaro, who is on trial over an alleged plot to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election to remain in power, was taken to a police station where the tag was fitted, police said.

He could face more than four decades behind bars if found guilty of masterminding the coup. Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing.

The raid came as US President Donald Trump has tried to force his current Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to end the criminal trial against his predecessor by threatening crippling tariffs on the country.

Trump last week threatened Brazil with tariffs of 50% starting August 1, according to a letter posted to his social media platform, Truth Social.