The former head of Brazil’s Federal Highway Police, Silvinei Vasques, was arrested in Paraguay Friday while allegedly attempting to flee to El Salvador, just weeks after being sentenced to over 24 years in prison by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court. The arrest-made at the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción-follows reports that Vasques removed his electronic monitoring bracelet and utilized fraudulent documentation. The case centers on allegations that Vasques attempted to obstruct voters during the 2022 presidential election,a period of heightened political tension following the closely contested vote[[2]][[3]].
The former head of Brazil’s Federal Highway Police, Silvinei Vasques, was arrested Friday in Paraguay while attempting to travel to El Salvador, authorities said. The arrest comes after Vasques reportedly removed his electronic monitoring bracelet and fled Brazil, raising questions about his commitment to facing a lengthy prison sentence.
Vasques was apprehended at the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción, Paraguay, while trying to board a flight, according to reports. He was found to be in possession of a fraudulent Paraguayan passport and attempting to travel on an invalid passport, officials confirmed.
The arrest took place during the early hours of Friday, October 26, by Paraguayan police. Vasques had traveled by car from his home in Santa Catarina, Brazil, through the state of Paraná, to reach Paraguay.
Vasques was recently sentenced to 24 years and six months in prison by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court. While the conviction is subject to appeal, the attempt to flee the country suggests a possible effort to avoid prosecution.
Brazilian authorities have investigated Vasques for allegedly coordinating police efforts to hinder voters believed to be unfavorable to former President Jair Bolsonaro during the second round of the 2022 presidential election. The investigation suggests a deliberate attempt to disrupt the democratic process.
Em atualização.
