Bolsonaro embezzled $1.2 million in undeclared jewelry from Saudi Arabia, police say

Brazil’s Federal Police allege that former President Jair Bolsonaro embezzled jewelry valued at 6.8 million Brazilian reals (about $1.2 million) during his administration, according to an investigative report unsealed by the Supreme Court on Monday.

Bolsonaro was indicted last week on charges of embezzlement, money laundering and criminal association in relation to Luxury jewelry from Saudi ArabiaThe investigation increases pressure on the right-wing former president, who governed from 2019 to 2022 before seeking re-election and being defeated by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He has already lost his political rights until 2030.

Bolsonaro has not commented on the indictment, but has previously denied any wrongdoing regarding the jewelry.

The police report states that there was “a criminal association for the embezzlement of high-value gifts that were received due to the position of former President Jair Bolsonaro.” The jewelry included Rolex and Patek Phillipe watches encrusted with diamonds, a necklace, rings and cufflinks, among other items. The report says that some of the gifts were given to government personnel acting on Bolsonaro’s behalf during international trips.

The Associated Press reported the indictment against Bolsonaro on Thursday, based on information provided by two sources familiar with the investigation, but the release of the report provides a more complete picture of the allegations.

Brazil’s Attorney General Paulo Gonet will review the police report and decide whether to press charges and put Bolsonaro on trial.

The jewelry would have been tax-free if it had been a gift from Saudi Arabia to the Brazilian nation, but it was not meant for Bolsonaro to keep. Rather, it would have been added to the presidential collection.

In its report, the police said Bolsonaro’s family had “income obtained through the illegal sale of the jewelry.” The investigation found that the former president took the funds without using Brazil’s banking system in order to hide their origin.

At a conservative conference in southern Brazil on Saturday, where he gave his first public speech since the allegations came to light, the 69-year-old former army captain did not address the matter. But he and his lawyers have previously denied wrongdoing in connection with the case, as well as his other actions that are under investigation.

Argentine President Javier Milei, one of Bolsonaro’s allies, accused Brazil of promoting a legal witch hunt against the former president.

Another indictment in March accused the former president of falsifying his COVID-19 vaccination certificate. Bolsonaro is also the subject of an investigation into possible involvement in inciting a revolt in the capital Brasilia in January 2023, which was intended to overthrow Lula.

The police report unsealed on Monday formally accuses 10 other people, including two of Bolsonaro’s lawyers, a retired army general and a former energy minister in his government.

The document recounts a conversation between Bolsonaro and a former adviser suggesting that the Brazilian leader was aware that some of the jewelry in question was going to be auctioned in the United States. Federal Police said there were other references to Fortuna Auction, the auction company, on Bolsonaro’s phone.

Police said a second package of luxury jewelry seized at customs was also addressed to Bolsonaro, whose government made repeated attempts to have it released. The then-president received the package on Nov. 29, 2022, the report said.

Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channels Youtube, WhatsApp and to the newsletter. Activate notifications and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.