Brazilian intelligence agencies are facing major scandal revelations that they hacked into Paraguay’s government network during the latter part of Jair Bolsonaro’s administration (2019-2022) and the early days of Luís Inácio Lula da Silva’s presidency (2023-).
On Tuesday, Paraguay’s Foreign Ministry summoned Brazilian Ambassador José Antonio Marcondes to explain recent allegations of espionage by the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (ABIN). In a press release, Paraguayan diplomatic officials stated, “We have confirmed instances of illegal activities by the Brazilian Intelligence Agency against our government between June 2022 and March 2023. We will conduct a thorough investigation into this matter.”
Brazilian media outlet UOL reported allegations that ABIN had hacked Paraguay’s government network to gather intelligence on the power transactions at the Itaipu Dam hydroelectric facility. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry later issued a statement acknowledging the allegations, stating that the operation was planned during the previous Bolsonaro administration. They added that their current administration became aware of the situation and immediately halted it. Paraguayan Daily ABC Color reported that ABIN is believed to have conducted surveillance of Paraguayan officials to gain favourable information for transaction negotiations.
Paraguayan authorities have suspended ongoing discussions with Brazil regarding power transactions in response to this incident.