The Federal Police of Brazil recently concluded an investigation which suggests that former President Jair Bolsonaro may have orchestrated a coup attempt following his election defeat in October 2022. A comprehensive 884-page report was disclosed to the public after being sent to the top prosecutor by the Supreme Court, detailing eight significant pieces of evidence supporting the allegations.

One critical incident involves a meeting that Bolsonaro held in December 2022 with the commanders of the armed forces, where he presented a proposal for a coup d'état and invited their participation in the plot. Notably, while the Army and Air Force commanders declined to support the initiative, retired Navy commander Almir Garnier expressed a willingness to back Bolsonaro's plan. This meeting led to formal accusations against Bolsonaro and 37 other individuals, primarily former military officers, for their roles in the conspiracy.

Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet is now tasked with deciding whether to press charges against Bolsonaro and the other implicated coup conspirators. Bolsonaro himself has refuted the accusations, denying any wrongdoing. In addition, the police report revealed that he was involved in drafting a decree designed to prevent Lula from assuming the presidency, along with uncovering discussions about plans to assassinate both Lula and Vice President-elect Geraldo Alckmin, highlighted by phone calls and meetings at the presidential residence. Meanwhile, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has authorized the release of the investigation findings for public scrutiny.