Brazil’s Federal Police Concludes Inquiry: Ex-President Bolsonaro Faces Serious Allegations Over Jewelry Scandal
In a detailed inquiry, Brazil’s Federal Police have accused former President Jair Bolsonaro of using funds from the illicit sale of valuable jewelry gifts to finance his controversial stay in the United States during the end of 2022 and early 2023. These findings suggest embezzlement, conspiracy, and money laundering carried out by the ex-leader.
Bolsonaro, the far-right icon who lost the 2022 general elections to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, now faces severe allegations. He’s accused of masterminding a scheme to misappropriate luxurious official gifts from foreign governments, sell them covertly, and funnel the proceeds into his personal coffers. Among the items reportedly stolen are two Chopard jewelry sets, a Patek Philippe watch, and a Rolex.
According to the police report, the proceeds from these illicit sales were transformed into cash and added to Bolsonaro’s personal assets through intermediaries. This strategy, which avoided the formal banking system, was allegedly designed to disguise the origin, location, and ownership of the funds.
Authorities also indicate that these illegally obtained funds may have subsidized the living expenses of Bolsonaro and his family while they were in the U.S. Following his electoral defeat, Bolsonaro left Brazil in late December 2022, purportedly to dodge the symbolic task of passing the presidential sash to Lula. He stayed in the U.S. for three months, culminating in a notably unimpressive return to Brazil in March 2023.
The inquiry’s conclusion has now been submitted to Brazil’s Supreme Court. The Prosecutor General’s Office will decide if Bolsonaro will stand trial at the nation’s highest tribunal. Despite the mounting evidence, Bolsonaro has consistently denied all wrongdoing. He has given varied accounts of the situation, ranging from claims of never receiving the gifts to suggesting that subordinates acted without his knowledge, and even asserting that the jewelry was added to his personal collection as “highly personal gifts.”
This scandal adds another layer to the controversial legacy of Jair Bolsonaro, whose tenure as president was marked by widespread divisiveness and contentious policies. The outcome of this inquiry will likely have significant implications for his political future and the broader landscape of Brazilian politics. For more information on the accusations and ongoing investigations, you can visit the Federal Police of Brazil’s official website.
