Brazil’s Supreme Court orders probe into foreign election interference - Valor International

Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Flávio Dino has ordered the Federal Police to investigate allegations that foreign individuals and companies interfered in Brazil’s presidential election to benefit defeated candidate Flávio Bolsonaro (Liberal Party, PL). The decision follows complaints filed by the Workers’ Party (PT) and Renan Santos of the Mission Party over several incidents during the campaign, including Meta’s conduct and social media posts by foreign accounts.

In his ruling, Dino outlined several lines of investigation, including reported contacts between representatives of the Rockbridge Network and businessmen Tallis Gomes and Pedro Sang. Police will examine whether financial resources, services or other economic benefits were linked to the presidential campaign.

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Investigators will also seek to identify who paid for and commissioned election advertising attributed to foreign social media accounts, trace the funding and determine whether Brazilian individuals or organizations were involved.

The inquiry will further examine potential connections between discussions of political financing and reported economic interests in Brazil’s rare earths and critical minerals, along with allegations of deliberate unequal treatment and algorithmic manipulation by major technology companies.

Dino issued the order in a case originally concerning the enforcement of foreign court rulings in Brazil. He used the proceedings to examine potential threats to national sovereignty and the electoral process arising from the incidents raised by the PT and Santos, who also ran for president.

The justice cited news reports, official statements and evidence presented in ongoing cases before the Superior Electoral Court (TSE). He also referred to a statement from Meta’s Oversight Board expressing concern about the company’s failures to enforce its election rules in Brazil, including the higher rate of account removals involving supporters of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), who won reelection.

The Rockbridge Network is a conservative organization made up primarily of U.S. technology-sector entrepreneurs who donate to the Republican Party. It raises funds and finances projects and initiatives aligned with the interests of American right-wing groups.

Both the PT and Santos allege that the organization assisted Flávio Bolsonaro’s campaign by contacting Brazilian business leaders and attempting to establish a structure similar to its U.S. network.

Dino noted that both Brazilian and U.S. laws prohibit foreign financing of political campaigns. He argued that the allegations therefore warrant investigation even if no foreign funds were transferred directly to senator’s campaign.

“It is therefore unacceptable for the use of intermediaries or indirect financing of campaign activities to turn foreign resources into an electoral advantage, undermining a level playing field and the free formation of the popular will,” Dino said.

Contacted by Valor, Meta referred to the explanations it had submitted to the TSE, acknowledging technical failures but denying that it had deliberately favored any candidates.

Businessman Tallis Gomes said he does not represent Rockbridge and denied participating in Bolsonaro’s campaign or that of any other candidate, or making financial contributions.

Valor also contacted Pedro Sang but received no response. Bolsonaro’s press office did not reply either.

This article was translated from Valor Econômico using an artificial intelligence tool under the supervision of the Valor International editorial team to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to our editorial standards. Read our Editorial Principles.