Brazilian senator Flavio Bolsonaro flees to the US amid money laundering investigation

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, fled to the United States on October 27, 2026, following his defeat in the presidential elections against Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Despite a Supreme Court order issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes requiring him to surrender his passports, the 45-year-old senator failed to comply and instead orchestrated a covert departure. His escape involved a land crossing into Argentina, followed by a private jet flight through Ecuador before arriving in Miami.

Bolsonaro is currently under investigation for money laundering, charges he consistently denies. After his arrival, he issued a statement claiming he is the rightful president of Brazil and denounced the election results as a criminal conspiracy, though he provided no evidence. While his departure prompted international attention, the U.S. government confirmed it would grant him and his family entry visas. President Lula da Silva publicly condemned the flight, calling it shameful and arguing that the senator should have remained in Brazil to prove his innocence in court.