What we know so far about the illegal donations scandal involving Jair Bolsonaro

Earlier today, Brazil’s biggest newspaper Folha de S.Paulo revealed that Jair Bolsonaro’s campaign has been receiving illegal donations. According to the newspaper, business owners have paid technology companies to spread content favorable to the candidate via messaging app WhatsApp. Brazilian electoral law forbids any kind of donation or contribution that is off the books and restricts any donations made by companies. Each “packet” of messages can cost up to BRL 12 million.

However, this is not the only way in which these companies and Mr. Bolsonaro’s campaign have broken the law: they have also used databases sold by digital agencies, which is forbidden. Candidates must only use their own contact databases. Luciano Hang, the owner of the department store chain Havan, denied being aware of any wrongdoing. His company is one of those accused of paying for the WhatsApp messages illegally.

Officially, Mr. Bolsonaro declared having spent only BRL 115,000 on digital media. There is no mention of these large contracts Folha de S.Paulo revealed today. He said that he has “no control” over what others do.

Fernando Haddad said that his campaign is considering suing those responsible for the wrongdoings. According to him, witnesses present in meetings with Mr. Bolsonaro said the former military captain asked for support to finance WhatsApp campaigns. Mr. Haddad did not give any names. “He left a trail, and we are following it,” he said. The Workers’ Party requested the federal police investigate...