How a Sabotaged Ankle Monitor Ended Bolsonaro’s House Arrest

Background: A former president on the brink of a long prison term

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was slated to begin serving a 27‑year prison sentence for multiple corruption and abuse‑of‑power charges. The sentence was to be carried out under strict house‑arrest conditions, monitored by an electronic ankle bracelet supplied by the federal justice system.

The unexpected tampering

Just days before the mandated start of his confinement, officials discovered that the tracking device had been deliberately altered. According to investigators, a soldering iron was used to open the unit’s casing, disconnect the battery, and interfere with the GPS transmitter.

How the sabotage was uncovered

Routine checks by the court’s surveillance team flagged an irregular signal loss. Technicians arrived at Bolsonaro’s residence, found the device’s seal broken, and identified fresh solder marks on the circuit board. The tampering was confirmed by forensic analysis, which showed the device had been rendered inoperable for several hours.

Legal consequences and political fallout

The act of sabotaging a court‑ordered monitoring device is itself a criminal offense under Brazilian law. Prosecutors have opened a parallel investigation, alleging obstruction of justice and potential collusion with aides who may have supplied the tools for the sabotage.

Meanwhile, the breach has intensified public debate over Bolsonaro’s influence over supporters and the integrity of Brazil’s judicial process. Critics argue that the incident demonstrates a willingness to flout legal mandates, while Bolsonaro’s allies claim the allegations are politically motivated.

What comes next?

The court has ordered the immediate removal of Bolsonaro from his home, citing “a serious risk of further non‑compliance.” A replacement ankle monitor, sealed and inspected by an independent agency, is slated to be installed within 48 hours. The supplementary investigation into the sabotage could add additional charges, potentially extending the former president’s legal troubles.

Conclusion

What began as a routine enforcement of a lengthy prison sentence escalated into a high‑profile case of alleged evidence tampering. The incident underscores the challenges Brazil faces in balancing the rule of law with the political turbulence surrounding one of its most controversial leaders.