Brazil’s federal police have recommended criminal charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro for allegedly embezzling valuable gifts, including diamond jewelry, received from foreign leaders during his presidency. The recommendation adds to Bolsonaro’s growing list of legal challenges.
The investigation, according to sources close to the case, accuses Bolsonaro and ten associates of attempting to retain and sell expensive gifts received from foreign governments, including Saudi Arabia. Charges recommended include money laundering and criminal association.
One notable incident involves approximately $1 million worth of diamond jewelry from the Saudi government. Investigative documents reveal attempts by Bolsonaro’s team to sell an 18-karat gold set at a Manhattan auction house for $50,000 and two luxury watches at a Pennsylvania mall for $68,000. The proceeds from these sales allegedly included cash delivered directly to Bolsonaro.
Brazilian law stipulates that while presidents can retain some personal gifts, high-value items typically belong to the state. A government-appointed panel initially ruled that some of the jewelry was personal property, a decision now under scrutiny.
Despite these allegations, Bolsonaro has not yet been formally charged. The decision rests with Brazil’s top federal prosecutor, who has yet to receive the police’s recommendations. If charged and convicted, Bolsonaro could face significant penalties, including prison time.
This case is among several legal issues confronting Bolsonaro, who left office 18 months ago. Earlier, police recommended charges related to falsified Covid-19 vaccination records and investigated his role in alleged efforts to cling to power post-2022 election defeat.
Bolsonaro has consistently denied wrongdoing, attributing the investigations to political persecution. His lawyer asserts that the gifts in question were legally his, highlighting past confusion over similar issues faced by other former presidents.
The jewelry scandal dates back to 2021 when a government official returned from Saudi Arabia with undeclared diamond jewelry. Bolsonaro’s personal aide later sold watches at a Pennsylvania mall, prompting further scrutiny.
Amid these investigations, Bolsonaro’s former lawyer, Frederick Wassef, is also facing recommended charges for purchasing a repurchased Saudi Rolex for $49,000 to comply with a court order.
Brazilian law permits detained individuals to take office, but parliamentary attendance is subject to judicial discretion. The Supreme Court has not commented on whether Bolsonaro will face trial.
