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Brazil’s federal police on Saturday arrested General Walter Braga Netto, a former member of President Jair Bolsonaro’s Cabinet and his 2022 running mate, in connection with investigations into an alleged coup plot, according to a source close to the process.
The source spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
Braga Netto was formally charged in November, along with Bolsonaro and 35 others, with plotting a coup to keep Bolsonaro in office after his failed 2022 re-election bid.
Prosecutors have yet to file formal charges against Braga Netto. The arrest made on Saturday stemmed from allegations of obstructing the collection of evidence, according to a statement from the Federal Police.
Local media reported that Braga Netto tried to find out what the former Bolsonaro aide who was arrested was telling authorities and whether he had signed a plea deal.
Authorities also executed two search and seizure warrants.
Braga Netto was Bolsonaro’s chief of staff from 2020 to 2021 and defense minister from 2021 to 2022.
His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. His legal team had previously said they would wait to review police records before making any statements.