Former Bolsonaro Minister Arrested in Brazil for Alleged Obstruction in Coup Probe

Brazilian Federal Police arrested General Walter Braga Netto, a key figure in former President Jair Bolsonaro's administration, on Saturday. The arrest is linked to an ongoing investigation into an alleged plot to overturn the 2022 election results, a source close to the investigation confirmed.

Braga Netto, who served as Bolsonaro's Chief of Staff and Defense Minister, and later as his running mate in the failed 2022 reelection bid, was taken into custody on allegations of obstructing justice. Authorities accuse him of attempting to interfere with the collection of evidence in the coup investigation.

The arrest comes after Braga Netto, along with Bolsonaro and 35 others, was formally accused in November of participating in a conspiracy to keep Bolsonaro in power despite his electoral defeat. While prosecutors have yet to file formal charges related to the coup plot itself, Saturday's arrest indicates an escalation in the investigation.

According to a statement released by the Federal Police, Braga Netto is suspected of trying to determine the content of testimony given by a former Bolsonaro aide who had been previously arrested. Local media outlets have reported that Braga Netto was seeking information on whether the aide had entered into a plea bargain with authorities.

In addition to the arrest, Federal Police executed two search and seizure warrants as part of the operation.

Braga Netto served as Bolsonaro's Chief of Staff from 2020 to 2021 and subsequently as Defense Minister from 2021 to 2022. A photograph from April 2022 shows him saluting Bolsonaro during a military ceremony, highlighting his close ties to the former president.

Attempts to reach Braga Netto's attorney for comment were unsuccessful. Previously, his legal team has indicated they would refrain from commenting until they have reviewed the relevant police documents.

The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the alleged coup attempt, which has already ensnared numerous high-ranking officials and allies of former President Bolsonaro. The investigation continues, and further charges and arrests are possible.