The Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism was created in 2002 by a group of Brazilian journalists interested in sharing experiences, information and tips on reporting, especially on investigative reporting.

Abraji is held by the journalists themselves, not for profit or political or partisan preferences.

Abraji's mission includes organizing congresses, seminars and workshops with the aim of promoting the professional development of journalists interested in the subject of "research".

Abraji also publishes books on the subject, stimulates the exchange of experiences among journalism professionals and acts in favor of the right of access to public information, coordinating a coalition of entities .

The term "investigative journalism" is used by Abraji as synonymous with responsible journalism, well-informed information, with all sides heard. In short, reports that deal extensively with a particular subject.

Abraji began its definitive format on December 7, 2002, during the seminar "Investigative Journalism: Ethics, Techniques and Dangers". The event was organized by the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas, University of Texas, directed by the Brazilian journalist Rosental Calmon Alves. At the end of the meeting, participants decided to create an institution similar to the IRE (Investigative Reporters & Editors) of the United States, or the Center for Investigative Journalism, of Mexican professionals.

The seminar of December 7, 2002 was attended by 140 journalists and was held at the University of São Paulo (USP). Among others, speakers were given and workshops were given by Brant Houston, then director of the IRE; Pedro Armendares, of the Mexican organization Investigative Journalists. There was also a debate on money laundering, with prosecutor Celso Três and the then investigative director of the IRS, Deomar Vasconcellos.

Abraji's first steps were through an exchange of e-mails among a group of 45 journalists from various newsrooms in various cities. The initiative was by Marcelo Beraba, then director of the "Folha de S.Paulo" branch in Rio de Janeiro. Then, in the face of the welcome and the arrival of new journalists, Rosental Calmon Alves helped organize an automated mailing list. The University of Texas computers hosted this list that brought together those interested in participating in the experiment. 

The group has grown, it has this website . By 2010, Abraji already had 2,000 members and more than 4,000 journalists trained in its courses, seminars and workshops.