The Federal Police of Brazil executed search and seizure warrants as part of an investigation into potential data leaks involving government authorities.
On February 17, 2023, Brazil's Federal Police executed search and seizure warrants across São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Bahia as part of an investigation targeting potential data leaks from the Federal Revenue service. This operation was ordered by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) following a request from the Attorney General's Office (PGR). While the names of the targets have not been disclosed yet, the implications of this investigation are significant, considering it involves high-ranking public officials.
In conjunction with the searches, the Federal Police implemented precautionary measures against the individuals involved. These measures include electronic monitoring, removal from public office, cancellation of passports, and restrictions on leaving the country. This reflects the seriousness of the allegations, which suggest a breach of confidentiality concerning the private financial data of approximately 100 individuals, notably including STF ministers and their families, indicating a potential threat to the integrity of the judicial system.
The Federal Revenue service has initiated a review of its systems to determine if such breaches have occurred, focusing on the sensitive personal information related to the relatives of Supreme Court judges. The unfolding events not only bring to light issues surrounding data privacy and security within Brazilian governmental frameworks but also raise questions about the accountability of public officials regarding the handling of confidential information.
