US, Australia Halt Consular Services in Brazil Before Presidential Election, Citing Security Concerns

The United States and Australia on Oct. 2 suspended consular services in Brazil, citing security concerns ahead of the country’s high-stakes presidential elections.

The U.S. embassy in Brazil issued an alert advising U.S. citizens seeking emergency assistance to contact the appropriate duty officer instead of visiting the embassy or other diplomatic facilities.

The Australian embassy also announced its closure in a notice, advising citizens seeking urgent consular assistance to contact the consular emergency center in Canberra by phone. It also urged people not to visit U.S. diplomatic facilities in Brazil, citing the U.S. embassy’s security alert.

No details were provided about the security concerns that prompted the closures.

Brazil’s federal police said on Oct. 2 that they conducted a preventive operation in Sao Paulo and the Federal District targeting activity that could threaten U.S. diplomatic facilities, but have not yet identified any suspects linked to criminal organizations.

Police said the investigation stemmed from cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies and is still ongoing following the seizure of communication equipment.

Brazil will hold the first round of its presidential election on Oct. 4, with incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro among the frontrunners. If neither wins more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff vote will take place on Oct. 25.

Bolsonaro is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence after being convicted of plotting a coup following his 2022 election loss.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is a developing story and will be updated.