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Brazilian authorities are conducting an investigation into whether General Walter Braga Netto, former Vice Presidential candidate for Jair Bolsonaro, had plans to involve Army special forces in an alleged coup following the 2022 Presidential election results.

According to Brazilian media, Braga Netto, previously serving as Bolsonaro’s defense minister and chief of staff, was a key figure in an alleged attempt to prevent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from assuming the presidency. The plot, however, did not come to fruition, with reports indicating refusal from former Army and Navy commanders to participate. According to sources, Braga Netto sought to rally support among Army leaders and arrange financial backing for the special forces and Bolsonaro’s supporters, who were advocating for the military to annul the election outcome.

Details have emerged about a meeting Braga Netto held in his apartment, focusing on securing funds to transport elite soldiers to the capital for the coup attempt. This meeting occurred shortly after Bolsonaro’s electoral defeat to Lula, with plans to deploy troops trained in counter-insurgency and sabotage. Police have reportedly uncovered a draft decree for a “state of siege” and discussed the logistical costs totaling 100,000 reais.

Braga Netto has yet to respond to inquiries regarding these alleged plans. He has also refused to answer any questions from police regarding the alleged coup attempt. Bolsonaro, for his part, has denied any coup attempts in the aftermath of his electoral loss, which he never formally conceded.