Brazil police conduct searches targeting intelligence agency’s use of tracking software

2024-12-25 21:53:50 source:lotradecoin withdrawalspeed category:Finance

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Police in Brazil conducted searches and made two arrests Friday in an investigation targeting members of the country’s intelligence agency who were suspected of using spy technology to track cellphones without judicial authorization, the Federal Police said in a statement.

Officials at the Brazilian Intelligence Agency, which is known by its Portuguese acronym ABIN, allegedly used the GPS-based software during the first three years of former President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration to monitor the phones of his opponents, journalists and lawmakers, Brazilian media reported.

O Globo newspaper first reported in March about the alleged illegal use of the FirstMile software developed by Israeli company Cognyte. The newspaper did not disclose the source of its information. The Federal Police declined a request for comment by The Associated Press on Friday.

Police arrested two people and carried out 25 search warrants across the states of Sao Paulo, Santa Catarina, Parana and Goias, and in the Federal District where Brazil’s capital, Brasilia, is located.

The geolocation tool used by ABIN “repeatedly invaded” Brazil’s telephone network, and the intrusive software was “acquired with public resources,” the Federal Police statement said.

The intelligence agency purchased the technology during Michel Temer’s 2016-2018 presidency for 5.7 million reais ($1.1 million), Globo said in March.

The Globo television network reported Friday that ABIN personnel employed the tacking software more than 30,000 times, of which 1,800 targeted politicians, journalists, lawyers and opponents of Bolsonaro’s government.

The Federal Police said it was investigating for potential charges of invading someone else’s computer device, criminal organization and interception of communications without judicial authorization or for purposes not authorized by law.

More:Finance

Recommend

When is the 'Survivor' Season 47 finale? Here's who's left; how to watch and stream part one

It's nearly here.After an exciting and drama-filled season featuring grueling challenges, complicate

Texas judge orders Uvalde school district, sheriff's office to release shooting records

AUSTIN, Texas — A Texas judge ruled that the school district and sheriff's office in Uvalade must re

Man charged with murdering 2 roommates after body parts found in suitcases on iconic U.K. bridge

A 34-year-old man was charged Monday with murdering two men whose remains were found in two suitcase