Mentions of 'Sicário' surge 1,240 times after photo with Flávio Bolsonaro

A photograph linking presidential hopeful Flávio Bolsonaro to a man known as "Sicário" has caused a massive spike in online mentions of the nickname, with references increasing 1,240 times on social media. Luiz Phillipi Mourão, identified by the Federal Police as the leader of a "private militia" allegedly working for banker Daniel Vorcaro, is pictured with Bolsonaro.

The analysis of the photo, published Wednesday and reportedly taken in 2022 at a hotel in Rio de Janeiro, shows Bolsonaro shirtless and wearing sunglasses alongside Mourão. According to a Nexus survey obtained by Coluna do Estadão, 80% of "Sicário" mentions in the past 24 hours are linked to Flávio Bolsonaro. The term trended third on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday morning, and Google Trends saw a 50-fold increase in searches.

Bolsonaro's campaign is reportedly trying to discredit a new poll, but this image adds to concerns about his independent voter support and campaign strategy. The nickname "Sicário" was frequently associated online with phrases like "photo of Flávio Bolsonaro," "criminal organization," and "Daniel Vorcaro's henchman."

Mourão was arrested in Operation Compliance Zero and later died after a suicide attempt in police custody. The Federal Police identified him as a central operator in the "violent nucleus" of Banco Master, managing groups allegedly involved in threats, intimidation, and cyberattacks. Investigations reportedly include conversations between Mourão and Vorcaro planning to simulate a robbery against journalist Lauro Jardim of O Globo newspaper to silence negative coverage of the bank.