Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro faces indictment by Federal Police following allegations that he failed to declare diamond jewelry worth $3.2 million, as reported by the Associated Press.
The investigation began in March 2023 after customs officials at Sao Paulo international airport seized items, including a Chopard diamond necklace, earrings, and a watch. These items were purportedly gifts from the Saudi government to Bolsonaro and his wife, Michelle.
Under Brazilian law, travelers are required to declare items valued over $1,000 and pay half their value in taxes. While gifts to the presidential collection are tax-exempt, police allege Bolsonaro profited nearly $70,000 from selling two luxury watches.
The Supreme Court is deliberating whether to proceed with charges against Bolsonaro and compel him to stand trial.
Bolsonaro, a former far-right leader, has faced multiple accusations since losing the presidency to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2022. Accusations against him range from involvement in Covid-related fraud and inciting a palace uprising to electoral misconduct and harassing a humpback whale while riding a jetski.
