The Brazilian federal government has officially dismissed Thiago Gomes Quinalia, an agent of the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin), due to prolonged absence from his position, which constitutes abandonment of duty. This decision, published recently in the Diário Oficial da União and signed by Minister of the Civil House, Rui Costa, reflects serious allegations against Quinalia, who is currently under investigation by the Federal Police (PF) for linking to illicit espionage activities under the purportedly operational "Abin Parallel" scheme during the tenure of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Reports indicate Quinalia was involved in unlawful surveillance of key public figures, which included ministers of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), members of Brazil's legislature, and even journalists. The investigation, referred to as Operation Last Mile, aims to dismantle this network of illegal monitoring, which has allegedly utilized Abin's intelligence systems without proper judicial authorization. Such actions not only violate privacy but also raise concerns about the broader ramifications for Brazilian democracy.
Quinalia's prolonged absence led to the formal action against him; when government officials are absent for over 30 consecutive days, it often signals abandonment of post. The case has garnered attention from STF Minister Alexandre de Moraes, who approved search and seizure orders related to the investigation of unauthorized monitoring and misuse of intelligence systems within Abin. This operation highlights the increasing scrutiny both on Quinalia and the activities of the intelligence agency itself.
The PF's investigation also delves deeply and troublingly connects the dots between the operation of this parallel structure within Abin and efforts to surveil and control political narratives during Bolsonaro's administration. Quinalia was reportedly part of the core group blamed for associatively linking politicians and magistrates to criminal factions like the PCC, which is notorious for organized crime and violence within Brazil. Among those reportedly surveilled were influential senators and legislators involved in the congressional COVID-19 investigation.
Federal Police have faced substantial challenges, as they've identified several individuals tied to this illegal espionage, with the latest phase of Operation Last Mile resulting in multiple arrests, including not only Quinalia but also individuals with military backgrounds and those closely associated with Bolsonaro's administration.
The investigations have ramifications extending beyond Quinalia. There is rising concern about how Abin's covert operations may have contributed to the events surrounding January 8, 2023, when violent disturbances were carried out by supporters of Bolsonaro following his electoral loss. Some reports suggest this internal strife could have been facilitated by individuals complicit within Abin.
Soon after these violent breaches of democracy, concerns emerged about the failures within the communications and coordination processes between parties responsible for national security. Despite alerts from Abin on possible actions leading to violence, it appears important information never reached the necessary security officials responsible for protecting federal institutions and officials.
The findings of the investigation present direct quotes from key reports processed by the Federal Police, such as, "the information from Abin, which was vitally important to prevent the invasion, did not reach the awareness of all responsible parties." These insights paint not only Quinalia's actions but also highlight systemic issues within Brazilian intelligence operations.
Remaining inquiries will focus on the entire structure and leadership of Abin, including former director Alexandre Ramagem, who has faced allegations related to misinformation and misinformation campaigns during Bolsonaro's government. This combination of factors raises pressing questions about the ethical boundaries and operational integrity of Brazil's intelligence apparatus.
The agency's role and the limits of its surveillance capabilities will likely come under intense examination as these investigations continue to unravel the connections between political power, intelligence misuse, and the very fabric of Brazilian democracy. The outcomes will demand heightened accountability not only for individuals involved but possibly for the institutions themselves, rekindling discussions about necessary reforms to prevent the recurrence of such actions.
