STORY-TRÅD·teknik

Brazil police probe alleged election-period attack plot

On Tuesday (Aug. 4), the Federal District Civil Police launched Operation Interrupted Network against a group under investigation for discussing plans to carry out violent attacks during the 2026 election period. According to the police, the suspects shared manuals on how to manufacture explosives. Messages analyzed during the investigation revealed repeated references to Brasília as the destination for a planned mobilization during the election period. Notícias relacionadas:Alckmin to run as Lula’s running mate again in upcoming elections.Electoral Court approves restrictions on AI use in 2026 elections.The investigation also identified the sharing of manuals for manufacturing explosive devices. In addition, the group discussed building break-ins, target selection, tactical training, interstate recruitment, map analysis, and the sharing of architectural floor plans and three-dimensional models of buildings in the central area of the country’s capital. The operation targeted eight suspects, aged 19 to 31, in the states of Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Pernambuco, and Rio Grande do Sul. With the support of investigators from these states, the probe aims to clarify the group’s level of organization and the stage of development of the planned actions. Precautionary measures were adopted to preserve digital and physical evidence, seize electronic devices, identify possible unknown connections, and gather additional evidence to advance the investigation. The investigation is examining possible offenses, in theory, including criminal association, incitement to commit a crime, glorification of a crime or criminal, and offenses provided for under anti-racism legislation. The police reported that the facts have not yet been classified under the Anti-Terrorism Law, but that the investigation is continuing to identify the perpetrators, establish the material elements, and determine the circumstances of possible criminal offenses. Elections The first round of the Brazilian elections will take place on October 3. Voters will elect the president, governors of the states and the Federal District, senators, and federal, state, and district representatives.