Brazilian police say ex-President Bolsonaro had planned to flee to Argentina seeking asylum

Key Takeaways:

• Brazilian investigators discovered alleged asylum plans on Bolsonaro’s phone
• The ex-president reportedly considered fleeing to Argentina
• Evidence was based on data retrieved from his phone
• The story was carried by the Associated Press, as published in the Capital Gazette
• The news was published on August 20, 2025

Background

Brazilian police have turned public attention toward former President Jair Bolsonaro after reportedly finding evidence of a plan to flee the country. According to investigators, Bolsonaro intended to seek asylum in neighboring Argentina, a strategy gleaned from messages on his phone.

Police Discovery

In a statement, Brazil’s federal police noted that it was “messages on the telephone of the embattled former president” that uncovered the alleged asylum plan. While officials did not disclose details of the nature or timing of these communications, they confirmed that the phone records played a critical role in exposing Bolsonaro’s reported strategy to leave Brazil.

Implications and Response

The discovery of these messages raises significant questions about Bolsonaro’s next steps. Having faced scrutiny in recent months, the alleged intent to seek refuge in Argentina underscores the extent of his challenges. Any legal or diplomatic responses stemming from the revelation were not outlined in the official release, leaving observers awaiting further updates on potential investigations or criminal proceedings.

Conclusion

Published by the Associated Press and reported in the Capital Gazette on August 20, 2025, the story underscores the continuing controversies surrounding one of Brazil’s most well-known political figures. While the details remain limited, Brazilian police maintain that the contents of Bolsonaro’s phone reveal an intention to flee, sparking further public interest and speculation about what may come next.