Brazil: Jair Bolsonaro Remains Silent on Question About Undeclared Saudi Arabia Gifts

Brazil ex-President Jair Bolsonaro was interrogated by the federal police regarding allegations of attempting to smuggle diamond jewelry worth an estimated $3 million and the sale of luxury watches gifted to him by Saudi Arabia during his time in office.

The questioning occurred Thursday at the federal police headquarters in Brasilia, Brazil's capital.

In addition to Bolsonaro, his wife Michelle, two lawyers, former aide Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, Cid's father, Osmar Crivelatti, and Marcelo Câmara were also subjected to police questioning.

The interrogation sessions were conducted simultaneously to prevent any exchange of information pertaining to the line of inquiry.

An anonymous federal police officer, not authorized to speak on the record about the ongoing investigation, verified to the AP that eight individuals, including Bolsonaro, were summoned to answer the jewelry and watch-related matters.

How Authorities Discover Jair Bolsonaro's Undeclared Saudi Arabia Gifts

Investigations by the police have revealed that the opulent gifts, including jewelry, valuable watches, and gold-plated statuettes, bestowed upon former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro by Saudi Arabia and Bahrain were never officially disclosed.

However, when Bolsonaro attempted to reclaim a seized shipment of these gifts from customs authorities, Reuters noted, the revelation came to light.

Subsequently, following public attention on the matter, a court mandated that Bolsonaro and his wife surrender the gifts to the state.

Bolsonaro's aides and legal representatives endeavored to repurchase some of the items sold in the United States.

Prosecutors contend that the appropriate jurisdiction for the case is Brasilia, where the investigation was initiated under the directive of Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.

Conversely, Bolsonaro's defense team argued that the case should be heard in Sao Paulo, citing where customs officers apprehended certain jewelry items at Guarulhos airport.

This incident marks the fifth instance in which Bolsonaro has been summoned by law enforcement to provide statements as part of an array of investigations.

These investigations span matters ranging from his criticisms of Brazil's electoral system to suspicions of his involvement in inciting his supporters to stage protests and occupy government premises following his electoral defeat.

Brazil Ex-President Jair Boslonaro Cases

The Saudi Arabia gift hearings mark yet another potential setback for the beleaguered far-right leader, who finds himself entangled in multiple ongoing investigations.

In recent weeks, federal law enforcement conducted searches at residences and offices linked to individuals implicated in the jewelry affair, ABC News noted.

The probe alleges that Bolsonaro received nearly $70,000 through selling two luxury watches gifted by Saudi Arabia.

Jair Bolsonaro has consistently refuted any allegations of misconduct.

The inquiry into the unreported jewelry forms just one strand of the complex legal challenges confronting Bolsonaro.

Earlier this year, a panel of judges declared him ineligible to stand for office until 2030, citing his misuse of authority and unfounded skepticism of the nation's electronic voting system.

Another investigation revolves around Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, who was arrested in May on charges of fabricating COVID-19 vaccine certificates for his family and Bolsonaro's relatives during the pandemic.

Running parallel to these matters, a parliamentary commission of inquiry continues its scrutiny into whether Bolsonaro played a role in inciting the January 8 riots.

During the riots, his supporters stormed the Supreme Court, the presidential palace, and Congress, occurring a mere week after leftist figure Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva assumed Brazil presidency.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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