Headquarters of Abin (Brazilian Intelligence Agency) in Brasília.| Photo: reproduction

The Federal Police opened this Thursday (16) an investigation to investigate possible espionage carried out by the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin). The action was determined by the Minister of Justice, Flávio Dino (PSB).

The suspicion of espionage surfaced after reports of a secret system to monitor up to 10,000 cell phone owners every twelve months, without judicial authorization. The information was revealed by the newspaper O Globo and confirmed by the agency.

During the period in which the irregularities would have occurred, between 2019 and 2021, Abin was linked to the GSI, Institutional Security Office, commanded by the then minister, General Augusto Heleno. Earlier this month, the agency became linked to the Civil House.

With the ongoing investigation, the PF wants to know who was monitored, for what period and why, for what or who would this information be used. Another question to be clarified is whether reports were made and where these documents were prepared. “Such a tool would allow the agency to obtain information related to users of mobile devices that by law can only be accessed by the judicial police, subject to judicial authorization. The investigation is confidential and will be conducted by the Intelligence Directorate of the Federal Police,” said the PF.

After the case came to light, Abin released a note, last Tuesday, confirming that the monitoring program was contracted between December 2018 and May 2021. It also stated that the agency is in the process of improvement, according to the public interest and the democratic rule of law.