Brazil orders probe into possible support for Bolsonaro campaign

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered a police investigation into whether foreign contacts, including those involving Rockbridge Network, provided support to Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign. The order opens an inquiry and does not establish that support was delivered or that anyone committed a crime. Justice Flávio Dino issued the order on October 27, directing the Federal Police to examine reported contacts between Rockbridge and Brazilian businessmen Tallis Gomes and Pedro Sang. Investigators are to determine whether the contacts led to money, services or other economic benefits for Bolsonaro’s campaign, and identify their origin, destination and use. The inquiry will also examine who paid for election-related content posted by foreign-based accounts, whether discussions about campaign financing were connected to foreign interests in Brazil’s rare earths and critical minerals, and whether internet companies deliberately manipulated algorithms to benefit or harm candidates. The order does not establish that any connection to mineral interests or any exchange involving mineral rights existed. Rockbridge denied contact or involvement with people who claimed to represent...