ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 23, 2025

ZeroFox Physical Security Intelligence Daily Brief - February 23, 2025

ZeroFox physical security experts collect, curate, and analyze information derived from open and proprietary sources for comprehensive context of the circumstances surrounding global events. Here is today’s daily roundup of major developments.

Brief Highlights

• Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro Charged with Orchestrating a Coup
• U.S., Russia Delegations Conduct Talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Three Arrested in Moldova for Links with the Wagner Group

Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro Charged with Orchestrating a Coup

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was officially charged with orchestrating a coup and attempting to poison President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet alleges that Bolsonaro and 33 others participated in a plan to remain in power after losing the 2022 elections to Lula. According to police, the plot included plans to sow distrust in the electoral system, drafting a decree to provide legal cover for the plot, pressuring top military brass to go along with the plan, and inciting a riot in the capital. The Supreme Court will now analyze the charges, and if accepted, Bolsonaro will stand trial. Bolsonaro is already banned from participating in the 2026 general elections but reportedly still harbors ambitions to run again. Expect Bolsonaro to orchestrate large protests by his supporters ahead of key trial dates.

U.S., Russia Delegations Conduct Talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

On February 18, 2025, Russian and American officials met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The delegations—led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov—agreed to appoint representatives to begin the negotiation process and partially restore diplomatic relations by restoring embassy staffing levels for further diplomatic missions. Speaking after the discussions, Rubio said he considered Russia to be serious about pursuing an end to the conflict. The leaders have reportedly proposed a three-stage peace plan, including a ceasefire, presidential elections in Ukraine, and signing a final agreement.

Three Arrested in Moldova for Links with the Wagner Group

An operation by the Moldavan and Ukrainian national authorities, supported by Europol’s Core International Crimes team, targeted individuals suspected of having taken part in the Russia-Ukraine war as mercenaries for the Wagner Group. The investigation has so far identified 85 individuals linked to the Russia-Ukraine war and led to the arrest of three in Moldova. The seizures made during the raids include a large number of documents, pictures, and video material, which attest to the recruitment and conditions of service within the Wagner Group private military company and illustrate the involvement of the suspects in military actions in the territory of Ukraine.