Brasília, Brazil · June 3, 2026
Largest Asset Freeze in Brazilian History
A Brazilian federal court froze $1.8 billion in assets belonging to former President Jair Bolsonaro and 15 close associates Tuesday, as part of an expanded investigation into alleged money laundering through Amazon mining permits. The freeze is the largest ever issued against a former Brazilian head of state.
Court Documents Detail Shell Company Network
Court documents seen by Media Hook detail a network of at least 23 shell companies registered in three countries used to launder proceeds from illegal mining operations in the Amazon basin. Prosecutors allege the scheme spanned at least six years and involved senior officials in the environment and mining ministries under Bolsonaro’s government.
Bolsonaro denied any wrongdoing in a statement released through his legal team, calling the investigation politically motivated. His lawyers said they would file an emergency appeal to unfreeze his personal assets by end of week.
Diego Vargas, Media Hook, Brasília.