Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been formally indicted by the Federal Police on charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and criminal association in connection with undeclared jewelry gifts from Saudi Arabia. The case involves luxury items valued at up to $3.2 million, including diamond necklaces, rings, watches, and earrings, which were given to Bolsonaro and his wife Michelle during his presidency.The investigation, which involved the FBI, revealed that Bolsonaro and his allies allegedly acted to divert gifts and sell them abroad for personal enrichment. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face a potential prison sentence of 10 to 32 years. The indictment also implicates 11 other individuals, including former government officials and Bolsonaro’s lawyers.This is the second time Bolsonaro has been formally accused of a crime since leaving office, following a previous indictment for allegedly falsifying his COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The case has sparked intense political debate, with Bolsonaro’s supporters, including his son Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, denouncing the investigation as ‘open and shameless’ political persecution. Meanwhile, critics of the former president have called for his arrest.The case is now with Brazil’s Attorney General, Paulo Gonet, who will review the police report and decide whether to file formal charges, potentially putting Bolsonaro on trial. The investigation has also raised questions about Bolsonaro’s involvement in other matters, including the January 2023 riots in Brasilia and allegations of illegal wiretapping of politicians, judges, and journalists.Bolsonaro and his lawyers continue to deny any wrongdoing. The former president claims he only learned about the existence of the jewelry 14 months after they were imported into the country and that he sought to avoid ‘diplomatic complications’ when considering selling the items at auction.
Key points
- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been indicted for embezzlement, money laundering, and criminal association related to undeclared Saudi jewelry gifts.
- The case involves luxury items worth up to $3.
- 11 other individuals, including former government officials and Bolsonaro’s lawyers, have also been implicated in the case.
- The case is now with Brazil’s Attorney General for review and potential formal charges.
2 million, and Bolsonaro could face 10 to 32 years in prison if convicted.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported value of the jewelry, with some sources citing $3 million and others mentioning $3.
2 million or 3 million euros.
👾Some sources report that Bolsonaro attempted to ‘sneak in’ the jewelry, while others state that he claims to have only learned about it 14 months after importation.
