Chapter 8: Gustavo’s Past Revealed

Gustavo Andrade's candidacy was already shaking up the Brazilian political scene, but it was when his entire career in the Federal Police came to light that the country really stopped to pay attention. Until then, many knew that Gustavo had been a former Federal Police agent, but few had a clear idea of ​​the extent of his experience and the crucial positions he had held during his two decades of service.

It all started with a special report on Fantástico, the renowned Sunday program on TV Globo. The report brought details never before disclosed about Gustavo's career. The special began with images of Gustavo on his missions in the Tactical Operations Command (COT), where he served from 2001 to 2011, the elite branch of the Federal Police. The photos of Gustavo in camouflage clothing, holding heavy weapons and leading high-risk operations against drug traffickers and criminal organizations, impressed Brazilians.

On social media, these images quickly went viral. Within minutes, Gustavo Andrade, now in military uniform, was being compared to national heroes. The hashtag #GustavoNoCOT was one of the most talked about topics, with thousands of people sharing their impressions of what they saw.

"I had no idea Gustavo had such an impressive past!" commented one Twitter user. A guy who has been through all this knows what it's like to really fight crime.

Another user posted a montage of Gustavo in action at the COT alongside images from action movies, commenting:

"Forget James Bond, the real agent is here!"

Photos of Gustavo participating in anti-terrorism and anti-drug operations were also released. They were powerful images, showing a man in constant action, leading his teams amidst shootouts and situations of extreme risk. These images contrasted sharply with the public persona of the other candidates, who had rarely left their offices in Brasília. Gustavo seemed like a true man of action, something the Brazilian public was yearning for.

But the Fantástico special didn't stop there. The article then covered Gustavo's time in the security sector for dignitaries, from 2011 to 2015, where he was responsible for protecting some of the most important figures in Brazil and the world. Photos of Gustavo in formal attire, in a suit, alongside heads of state and world leaders were shown. In one of the most commented images, Gustavo appeared at a conference alongside former US President Barack Obama and the then FBI director. In another photo, he was alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a diplomatic visit.

Brazilians were impressed. Gustavo, who many saw as just a discreet ex-policeman, was now appearing in photos alongside some of the most powerful figures in the world. On online discussion forums, people began to debate the depth of Gustavo's experience.

"This guy is not just another politician," wrote a user on Reddit. He has experience with world leaders, knows how to handle pressure, and understands what's at stake on a global stage.

The photos kept coming. Gustavo standing next to defense ministers, talking to heads of state, and meeting with high-ranking politicians and military officers. The depth of Gustavo's international career, something that had been largely kept out of the spotlight until then, was now being explored by the media, and the Brazilian public was surprised by each new revelation.

On Instagram, Paola Oliveira posted a series of photos of Gustavo over the years. One of the images showed Gustavo in camouflage gear, his face smeared with dust and sweat, a serious expression as he led an operation. Another showed him in a suit, shaking hands with one of the FBI directors. Paola's caption was simple but impactful: "The man behind the cause. Pride doesn't describe it."

Paola's post generated a wave of support from her followers. Among the comments, many praised Gustavo's courage and the fact that he seemed like the type of candidate who was "not afraid to act."

In addition, the Fantástico report also revealed a more recent aspect of Gustavo's career: his time in the intelligence sector of the Federal Police, from 2015 to 2020. During this period, Gustavo coordinated covert operations to combat corruption and organized crime, many of them in collaboration with international agencies, such as the CIA and Interpol.

One of the most memorable moments of the report was when they showed a prestigious international ceremony in which Gustavo was honored alongside directors of the FBI, the CIA, the Federal Police, and ABIN (Brazilian Intelligence Agency). The ceremony, held in Washington, honored a joint operation between Brazil and the United States that dismantled one of the largest arms and drug trafficking networks in Latin America.

"This guy has the trust of the largest intelligence agencies in the world," commented a political analyst on the program. He was decorated for his work in one of the most complex operations ever carried out between Brazil and the United States. That's no small feat.

The revelation of his career in intelligence reinforced Gustavo's image as an extremely competent candidate, someone who knew how to fight crime efficiently and directly. People began to question whether this was exactly what Brazil needed: not career politicians, but someone who truly understood the public safety and corruption problems that plagued the country.

In WhatsApp groups, images of Gustavo with world leaders and in COT operations circulated nonstop. Brazil was divided, but one thing was clear: no one underestimated Gustavo Andrade anymore. The impact of his career was reflected in every conversation, whether on the streets or on social media.

"He has already shown that he knows how to protect Brazil. Now he will show how to govern," said an audio clip that went viral among Gustavo's supporters.

In opinion polls, Gustavo began to gain even more ground. His leadership stance, combined with his history of fighting crime and international prestige, made him a serious and respected figure. Little by little, Brazil began to unite around the idea that Gustavo was more than an unlikely candidate. He was a new hope.

By the end of that week, Brazil was talking about one thing: who was Gustavo Andrade? And the country was increasingly convinced that he could be the leader that Brazil so desperately needed.