Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes archived the 'Abin Paralela' investigation against former president Jair Bolsonaro and former ABIN director Alexandre Ramagem on Monday [1].

The decision removes two high-profile political figures from a probe into the alleged misuse of the Brazilian Intelligence Agency, though it does not end all legal scrutiny for the Bolsonaro family.

According to the court, the decision followed an opinion from the Prosecutor General's Office (PGR) [2]. The PGR said that the facts involving Bolsonaro and Ramagem had already been judged and there was insufficient basis to continue the investigation [2].

While the cases against the former president and the former intelligence director were closed, the investigation into other parties continues. Moraes ordered that the remaining proceedings be sent to the Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region (TRF-1) [3].

This referral includes the investigation into councilor Carlos Bolsonaro and 27 other individuals [3]. In total, 28 people will now face scrutiny under the jurisdiction of the TRF-1 [3].

The 'Abin Paralela' probe centered on allegations that the intelligence agency was used for illegal surveillance and political purposes. The archiving of the claims against the former president comes after a period of intense legal tension between the STF and Bolsonaro's allies [4].

By shifting the remaining cases to a regional court, the STF effectively ends its direct oversight of the probe into Carlos Bolsonaro and the other 27 suspects [3].

“Moraes archived the 'Abin Paralela' investigation against former president Jair Bolsonaro and former ABIN director Alexandre Ramagem”

The decision signals a narrowing of the 'Abin Paralela' investigation's scope at the highest judicial level. By archiving the cases against the former president and the intelligence chief, the STF is acting on the Prosecutor General's assessment of insufficient evidence. However, the transfer of 28 other suspects, including Carlos Bolsonaro, to a regional court ensures that the legal process regarding the alleged intelligence misuse continues, albeit outside the direct purview of Minister Moraes.