Brazilian Intelligence Agency Officials Arrested for Illegal Cellphone Tracking Activity

GPS-Based Software Used Without Judicial Authorization, Infiltrating Phone Networks More Than 30,000 Times; Investigation Targets Former Bolsonaro Administration’s Surveillance of Political Opponents, Journalists and Lawmakers.

• Brazil's Federal Police arrested two officials from the country’s intelligence agency, ABIN, accusing them of illegal tracking of cellphones using a GPS-based software, FirstMile, developed by Israeli company Cognyte. The software was allegedly used without judicial authorization under the administration of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
• The allegedly illegal surveillance targeted Bolsonaro’s political opponents, journalists, and lawmakers, with media reports suggesting the tracking software was used more than 30,000 times, with 1,800 of these instances aimed at such targets.
• The GPS-based software was reportedly acquired with public funding during the presidency of Michel Temer (2016-2018) at the cost of 5.7 million reais ($1.1 million).
• The Federal Police carried out 25 search warrants across the states of Sao Paulo, Santa Catarina, Parana and Goias, as well as in the Federal District, where Brazil's capital, Brasilia, is located.
• Investigations are underway for potential charges including invading someone else’s computer device, criminal organization, and interception of communications without judicial authorization or for purposes not authorized by law.

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