After the United States classified the PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital) and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) celebrated the measure and turned it into one of the political banners of his pre-campaign for the Presidency of the Republic.
The decision was announced after the congressman's visit to former US President Donald Trump. In a statement, Flávio's press office affirmed that the Bolsonaro family maintains no relationship whatsoever with criminal factions or illegal armed groups.
The statement also criticized the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), citing episodes involving members linked to organized crime who participated in meetings at the Ministry of Justice.
Despite rhetoric about fighting criminal factions, the Bolsonaro family's political history includes episodes of close ties with individuals who were later investigated or accused of participating in criminal organizations, especially in Rio de Janeiro.
Tributes to Adriano da Nóbrega
One of the best-known cases involves former military police officer Adriano Magalhães da Nóbrega, identified by the Public Prosecutor's Office as a member of the Rio das Pedras militia and the death squad known as the Crime Office.
In 2005, Adriano received the Tiradentes Medal while in prison, one of the main honors granted by the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj). The honor was proposed by Flávio Bolsonaro, then a state deputy, and presented with the participation of Jair Bolsonaro.
Two years earlier, Adriano had already been honored at the initiative of the Rio de Janeiro state legislator. Subsequently, the former military police officer came under investigation for various crimes and died during a police operation in Bahia in February 2020.
Jobs for family members and investigation into embezzlement schemes.
The relationship between Flávio Bolsonaro and Adriano da Nóbrega also gained prominence during the investigations into the scheme known as "rachadinha" in the Alerj (Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly).
Adriano's mother and ex-wife worked for years in Flávio Bolsonaro's office. According to investigations by the Rio de Janeiro Public Prosecutor's Office, both allegedly participated in a scheme to return part of the salaries they received as parliamentary advisors.
Investigators pointed to financial transactions involving Fabrício Queiroz, former aide and confidant of Flávio Bolsonaro, as well as transfers that allegedly linked Adriano da Nóbrega's family members.
The senator has always denied the accusations. In 2021, decisions by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) invalidated evidence used in the investigation, leading to the case being closed.
Statements about militias
Throughout their political careers, Jair Bolsonaro and Flávio Bolsonaro have also made statements that have drawn criticism from public security experts and political opponents.
During the 2018 presidential campaign, Jair Bolsonaro stated that regions dominated by militias had low rates of violence. Critics interpreted this statement as downplaying the actions of these groups.
Flávio Bolsonaro has also commented on communities controlled by militias, stating on several occasions that some residents reported feeling safer. In a speech at the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (Alerj), he described the militias as a kind of "new form of policing."
Police officers linked to the campaign were targeted in an operation.
Another incident occurred in 2018, when Operation Fourth Element arrested military police officers suspected of being part of a gang specializing in extortion.
Among those investigated were twin brothers Alan and Alex Rodrigues Oliveira. According to reports from the time, both allegedly participated in activities related to Flávio Bolsonaro's Senate campaign.
The candidate denied any formal link between the police officers and his campaign team. Family members, however, stated that the collaboration was voluntary.
Closer ties with Rodrigo Bacellar
In recent years, the Bolsonaro family has also strengthened its political ties with Rodrigo Bacellar, then president of the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro.
The politician participated in meetings with Jair, Flávio, and Carlos Bolsonaro to discuss the electoral landscape in Rio de Janeiro and even received tributes from the group.
Subsequently, Bacellar became the target of investigations into suspected involvement in a criminal organization and the alleged leaking of information to benefit members of Comando Vermelho. The accusations remain under review by the competent authorities.
The case has reinforced questions from political opponents about the criteria adopted by the group to establish alliances and electoral support over the past few years.
Contact Daniel Vorcaro
Another name associated with Bolsonaro's political circle was that of former banker Daniel Vorcaro, who is under investigation in matters related to Banco Master.
Audio recordings released by the press indicated conversations between Vorcaro and Flávio Bolsonaro involving investments for the production of a documentary about former president Jair Bolsonaro.
The senator confirmed having been in contact with the businessman and stated that the relationship was limited to matters related to the private financing of the audiovisual project.
The investigations involving Vorcaro include suspicions of financial crimes, money laundering, and organized crime. The proceedings are ongoing and still await a final court decision.
Political debate enters a new chapter.
The classification of the PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations by the United States has reignited the debate about public safety and the fight against organized crime in Brazil.
While Flávio Bolsonaro attempts to transform the measure into a political asset for the 2026 presidential race, opponents recall past episodes involving figures investigated for links to militias and other criminal structures.
The issue is likely to remain central to the electoral debate in the coming months, especially given the narrative disputes between the government and the opposition regarding the fight against organized crime and criminal factions in the country.
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