Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is facing potential charges related to an alleged scheme to sell $1.2 million (£937,000) worth of jewelry and luxury gifts given to his government. Police investigators assert that Bolsonaro benefited from these illicit activities, which occurred between 2019 and 2022.
Brazil’s Federal Police have recommended charging Bolsonaro with crimes, including money laundering, over undeclared jewelry gifted during his presidency. According to the latest police report, officials acted to divert these expensive gifts from foreign governments to Bolsonaro. The items were then sold for the “illicit enrichment of the then president,” with proceeds allegedly being paid to Bolsonaro without using the formal banking system.
The controversy centers on allegations that Bolsonaro attempted to illegally import and retain millions of dollars’ worth of jewelry given to him and his wife by Saudi Arabia in 2019. These items, which included Rolex and Patek Philippe watches as well as diamond pieces from luxury brand Chopard, were impounded by Brazilian customs officials when a member of Bolsonaro’s entourage tried to bring them into the country in 2021. Following media coverage, some of the jewelry was subsequently returned by Bolsonaro’s team.
Bolsonaro has dismissed the cases against him as politically motivated. His lawyer, Paulo Cunha, argued on social media that heads of state “have no direct or indirect influence” over the fate of official gifts.
Prosecutors have 15 days to decide whether to formally charge Bolsonaro.
This case adds to Bolsonaro’s legal troubles. He is also under investigation for allegedly inciting rioters who stormed government buildings following his narrow defeat in the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro has expressed “regret” for the unrest but denies causing it. Nevertheless, Brazil’s Supreme Court has included him in its investigation into the January 8, 2023, storming of key government buildings.
