Brazil Probes Bolsonaro’s Reported Departure

Flávio Bolsonaro lost Sunday's runoff to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 51.8% to 48.2%, a margin of about 4.4 million votes. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered him to surrender his ordinary and diplomatic passports; the order was issued Sunday, served Monday outside Jair Bolsonaro's house-arrest home, and expired at noon Tuesday. Federal Police cancelled the passports after the deadline. Jair is serving a 27-year house-arrest sentence for plotting a coup after the 2022 loss. Flávio's Liberal Party acknowledged Lula's victory Monday though Flávio had not conceded; he would need evidence of fraud affecting the full margin before Dec. 18 certification. His Senate term ends Jan. 31, 2027. Some outlets, citing sources, reported he left for the United States, possibly crossing at Puerto Iguazú on a national ID—Brazilians need only an ID to enter Argentina—then a private flight. A senior Brazilian Federal Police official said he was not recorded at any regular migration point. Argentine authorities inspected a private aircraft and crew at Iguazú and found no Bolsonaro-family flight plan; Argentina said it had no entry record, and a Javier Milei spokesperson said there is no asylum request. Paulo Figueiredo would not discuss whereabouts. Eduardo Bolsonaro had said before the vote he favored his brother leaving if he lost. Bolsonaro posted a video Monday denying plans to leave; he did not appear when reporters gathered at his Brasília home as Brazilians asked on social media where he was. Whereabouts remained unclear.