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---
title: Flávio Bolsonaro Flees to Miami After Brazil Election Loss, Defying Court Order
description: The senator left Brazil amid a money laundering probe. Trump welcomed his arrival and echoed his unfounded claims of election fraud.
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author: Miranda Jeyaretnam
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article:published_time: 2026-10-27T09:45:00.000Z
article:modified_time: 2026-10-28T18:56:47.000Z
article:section: World
og:title: Flávio Bolsonaro Flees to Miami After Brazil Election Loss, Defying Court Order
og:description: The senator left Brazil amid a money laundering probe. Trump welcomed his arrival and echoed his unfounded claims of election fraud.
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twitter:title: Flávio Bolsonaro Flees to Miami After Brazil Election Loss, Defying Court Order
twitter:description: The senator left Brazil amid a money laundering probe. Trump welcomed his arrival and echoed his unfounded claims of election fraud.
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# Flávio Bolsonaro Flees to Miami After Brazil Election Loss, Defying Court Order

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> Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material.

> Last updated: July 2026.

## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ

### Definition

Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner.

### Organization facts

| Attribute | Value | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute |
| Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute |
| Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute |
| Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute |
| Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute |
| Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute |
| Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute |
| Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute |
| Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute |
| Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute |

### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth

| Metric | Value | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" |
| Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" |
| Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" |
| Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" |
| Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" |
| AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" |
| Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" |
| Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" |

### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements

*   PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement.
*   The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession.
*   PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms.
*   Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success.
*   PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages.
*   PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world.
*   PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes.
*   PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives.

### FAQ

#### Is a PMP certification worth it?

A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations.

#### What are the best certifications for project managers?

The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation.

#### How does PMI support career growth for professionals?

PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers.

#### What is the PMBOK® Guide?

The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery.

#### How is AI changing project management?

AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment.  PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes.

#### What are the most important skills for a project manager?

Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates.


#### How can I get involved with the PMI community?

Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections.

#### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM?

The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification.

#### How does PMI support social impact?
PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world.


### Sources

*   Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=7167878e-f983-4c87-bb01-be0d4fef98ae&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=7167878e-f983-4c87-bb01-be0d4fef98ae&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=7167878e-f983-4c87-bb01-be0d4fef98ae&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=7167878e-f983-4c87-bb01-be0d4fef98ae&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=7167878e-f983-4c87-bb01-be0d4fef98ae&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=7167878e-f983-4c87-bb01-be0d4fef98ae&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=7167878e-f983-4c87-bb01-be0d4fef98ae&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=7167878e-f983-4c87-bb01-be0d4fef98ae&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)


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by [Miranda Jeyaretnam](https://time.com/author/miranda-jeyaretnam/) and [Connor Greene](https://time.com/author/connor-greene/)

Updated: Oct 28, 2026 6:56 PM UTCPublished: Oct 27, 2026 9:45 AM UTC

![](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt88a077e3f47d87bc/6ae245490fe27a09b982a013/GettyImages-2301875135.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=3:2)

Flavio Bolsonaro arrives at Opa-Locka Executive Airport near Miami on Oct. 28, 2026, despite a court order barring the defeated Brazilian presidential candidate from leaving Brazil.

Flavio Bolsonaro arrives at Opa-Locka Executive Airport near Miami on Oct. 28, 2026, despite a court order barring the defeated Brazilian presidential candidate from leaving Brazil. Ricardo Arduengo—AFP/Getty Images

by [Miranda Jeyaretnam](https://time.com/author/miranda-jeyaretnam/) and [Connor Greene](https://time.com/author/connor-greene/)

Updated: Oct 28, 2026 6:56 PM UTCPublished: Oct 27, 2026 9:45 AM UTC

Listen

00:001.0x09:05

Narrated by TIME AI.

Brazilian Senator [Flávio Bolsonaro](https://time.com/article/2026/10/07/brazil-lula-new-republic-trump-election-runoff-bolsonaro/) arrived in Miami on Wednesday after fleeing the country in defiance of a court order to surrender his passports amid a money laundering investigation, days after losing the presidential election [to incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva](https://time.com/article/2026/10/26/brazil-lula-bolsonaro-presidential-election-trump/).

Bolsonaro traveled from northern Argentina to the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil, the Argentine government[ said](https://x.com/Migraciones%5FAR/status/2115308014546657747?a=oYd-f3PbUHlbWP-JFN8&s=20). From there, Bolsonaro, his wife and two daughters flew to Miami, where they were recorded exiting a private jet at Miami-Opa Locka ​Executive Airport. 


President Donald Trump[ told reporters](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-says-he-approves-brazils-flavio-bolsonaro-coming-us-2026-10-28/) he “would approve” of Bolsonaro coming to the U.S. “I think they’re fine people,” Trump said. “The election ‌was very strange, and I thought ⁠it was terrible. It’s gotten bad reviews. You look at what happened to their market.”

On Tuesday, U.S. officials told[ multiple media outlets](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/internacional/departamento-de-estado-dos-eua-diz-a-cnn-que-emitira-vistos-para-flavio/) that the State Department would grant Bolsonaro and his family entry visas amid reports he had left Brazil to head to the U.S.

A Brazilian Supreme Court justice had ordered federal police to open a separate probe into possible illegal foreign financing of Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign, including alleged ties to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s donor network. Lula’s government had[ previously accused the Trump Administration](https://time.com/article/2026/10/01/trump-brazil-election-interference-accusations-lula-bolsonaro-tensions/) of interfering in Brazil’s election, an allegation the U.S. denies. TIME has reached out to Vance’s office for comment.

Bolsonaro initially said he would comply with Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes’s order to surrender his passports and refrain from traveling. The order concerned an investigation into Bolsonaro’s alleged links to a Brazilian lawyer accused of [laundering more than $1 billion through a fraud scheme](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/26/world/americas/flavio-bolsonaro-passport-brazil.html). 


The confidential order cited Bolsonaro’s flight risk and “significant financial resources.” The son of convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro, Flávio Bolsonaro will lose certain parliamentary protections from prosecution when his term as senator for Rio de Janeiro ends on Jan. 31.

“I have never thought ‌about leaving ⁠the country,” Bolsonaro [said in a social media video](https://www.instagram.com/reel/De-DJrDp4K6/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fweb%5Fcopy%5Flink&obrf=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==) Monday. “I will hand over my passports and defend myself against this travesty, which is a clear attempt to intimidate me.”

But Bolsonaro did not comply with the order to hand over his passport by the end of the court’s 24-hour deadline on Tuesday morning. Argentina’s National Directorate of Migrations said Bolsonaro and his family entered the country “with valid travel documentation and without any legal impediment” on Tuesday night before boarding a private flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Lula [called](https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/politica/noticia/2026-10/ato-vergonhoso-diz-lula-sobre-fuga-de-flavio-bolsonaro) Bolsonaro’s flight from Brazil “a shameful act.”

“Those who have nothing to hide have nothing to fear,” Lula added, recalling his [own arrest in 2018](https://time.com/6172611/brazil-president-lula-interview/) on charges of passive corruption and money laundering. His convictions that were later overturned.

Bolsonaro is also being investigated over alleged links to a banker connected to a corruption scheme. He is alleged to have raised millions of dollars from the banker to fund a biopic about his father.

Bolsonaro's departure could inflame political tensions amid claims from Brazil’s right wing and abroad that the election was unfair. Bolsonaro initially said he would seek to annul the vote, although his Liberal Party later conceded defeat. In the video posted Monday, he said he would seek to have Lula’s ticket disqualified, citing alleged disinformation and “vote buying.” He also said he would organize congressional opposition to Lula’s government.

“I wasn’t the one who lost,” he said. “The system won.”


Trump, an ally of the Bolsonaros, said Monday that the election appeared “rigged.” He did not provide evidence for the claim.

“I didn’t take ​sides, but it looked like another rigged election,” Trump said.

“I just think it had a very bad look, the election, the ​way it was tabulated,” he added. “The extension given was very strange.”

Brazil’s Supreme Court had granted a two-hour voting extension on Sunday, citing transport issues raised by Lula’s campaign. Bolsonaro’s campaign had separately requested a two-hour extension due to heavy rainfall in certain areas. 

Lula won the election by more than 4 million votes. Roughly 0.03% of all votes—or fewer than 35,000—were recorded in the extra two hours. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin [told Rede Vanguarda](https://noticias.uol.com.br/eleicoes/2026/10/26/alckmin-chama-de-equivocada-fala-de-trump-sobre-fraude-eleitoral-no-brasil.ghtm) that Trump’s claims were “completely wrong.”

## Money laundering inquiry

The inquiry into Bolsonaro stems from a federal probe into unauthorized deductions from pension payments made by Brazil’s social security agency. The broader operation, launched in April 2025, investigated associations suspected of collecting unauthorized membership fees from pension benefits.


Evidence from the probe [led investigators](https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/blogs/gustavo-uribe/eleicoes/pf-abre-inquerito-que-apura-relacao-de-flavio-com-alvo-da-sem-desconto/) to examine suspected money laundering involving betting platforms and financial transactions linked to Brazilian lawyer Willer Tomaz, who denies wrongdoing.

Police reportedly discovered that Bolsonaro had “master user” access to bank accounts belonging to Alcazar Holdings, a company owned by Tomaz. In May 2025, a person working for Tomaz asked the bank to remove Bolsonaro’s access to the accounts, local media outlets [BPMoney](https://bpmoney.com.br/politica/flavio-bolsonaro-usuario-master-offshore-jato-vorcaro/) and [Times Brasil](https://timesbrasil.com.br/brasil/pf-aponta-flavio-bolsonaro-como-usuario-master-de-conta-de-offshore-ligada-a-vorcaro/) reported earlier this month, citing police findings. Both Bolsonaro and Tomaz deny having a joint account or financial ties.

De Moraes’s order also barred Bolsonaro from contacting Tomaz. Bolsonaro said on Monday that the ruling came after his brother, Eduardo Bolsonaro, had said on a podcast last week that he should leave the country if he lost the election.

AFP [reported](https://www.barrons.com/news/flavio-bolsonaro-on-way-to-ecuador-from-argentina-after-fleeing-brazil-18cfc35f) that Bolsonaro’s Brazilian and diplomatic passports were canceled, but that he has held Italian nationality since 2023\. His departure appeared to surprise his political allies, including his campaign manager Rogerio Marinho who told reporters Tuesday that he had no information about Bolsonaro’s whereabouts.


“I received a text message from him this morning, where he said he would let some time pass today and then would talk with us, and that was it,” he said. “That was the only communication we had.”

## A critic of Brazil’s justice system

Bolsonaro has repeatedly criticized Brazil’s judiciary and described the investigations into him as politically motivated. The country’s Supreme Court generally assigns cases through a lottery system. The money laundering investigation was assigned to de Moraes on Oct. 16.

De Moraes was the lead justice in last year’s trial of Jair Bolsonaro, who refused to accept his election loss in 2022\. A five-member panel of Supreme Court justices [convicted Jair Bolsonaro](https://time.com/7316618/jair-bolsonaro-convicted-coup-brazil-supreme-court-trump-rubio-explainer/), by a 4-1 vote, of attempting to overturn his election defeat and sentenced him to 27 years and three months in prison. He is serving the sentence under house arrest due to poor health. Prosecutors alleged that the plot included plans to assassinate Lula. Jair Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing.


In June, a Supreme Court panel unanimously convicted Eduardo Bolsonaro of coercion in judicial proceedings. Prosecutors alleged he had attempted to lobby the Trump Administration to use tariffs and sanctions, including on de Moraes, to pressure judicial authorities to drop the prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro. Eduardo Bolsonaro was sentenced to four years and two months in prison, but remains in Texas, where has lived since 2025.

De Moraes has also faced scrutiny over reported ties to Daniel Vorcaro, the former owner of Banco Master, whose financing of a film about Jair Bolsonaro is the subject of the separate inquiry into Flávio Bolsonaro. The _New York Times_ reported, citing a police dossier, that Vorcaro sent text messages to de Moraes asking for help to avoid arrest. In messages to other associates, Vorcaro reportedly mentioned paying millions to the law firm of de Moraes’s wife. De Moraes has denied wrongdoing and said he never acted to favor Vorcaro or Banco Master.


De Moraes also [clashed with tech billionaire Elon Musk](https://time.com/6964518/elon-musk-brazil-judge-moraes-free-speech-disinformation/) in 2024 over court orders to block accounts on Musk’s social media platform X. De Moraes temporarily suspended the platform in Brazil after it failed to comply with judicial requirements, which Musk had described as “the most draconian demands of any country on Earth.”

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