Brazil Police Formally Indict Former President Jair Bolsonaro Over Saudi Diamonds Scandal

After months of investigations, former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro has finally been indicted formally over the Saudi diamonds scandal, where he is accused of misappropriating jewelry he received while head of state, as well as other luxury gifts given to him by the government of Saudi Arabia.

This is the second time that Bolsonaro, known as the "Trump of the Tropics," has been indicted of a crime. Back in March, he was charged over forgiving his COVID-19 vaccine records. He may be following in the footsteps of the actual Donald Trump as he also may be facing insurrection-related charges for his part in the January 8 Brasilia riots, considered the January 6 of Brazil.

While he was still the president of Brazil, the Saudi Arabian government gave jewelry made by Chopard of Switzerland. They were valued at $3.2 million and included a diamond necklace, ring, watch, and earrings, according to Reuters.

However, as soon as the jewels arrived back in Brazil, customs officials at Sao Paulo's international airport seized the jewelry back in October 2021. It was found in the backpack of a government aide returning from Riyadh. This led to an investigation request from President Lula, Bolsonaro's top political rival and successor.

Lula had called Bolsonaro's actions "smuggling" and wanted the investigation to cover not just the former president, but also one of his then-ministers, former mines and energy minister Bento Albuquerque. It was his aide who was arrested when he returned home from Riyadh.

That aide, identified as aide-de-camp Mauro Cid, was also allegedly involved in selling jewelry. Charges were also brought against Bolsonaro's lawyer, Frederick Wassef, and his spokesperson, Fabio Wajngarten.

Jair Bolsonaro Continues to Deny Wrongdoing in Saudi Diamonds Scandal

The man known as the "Trump of the Tropics" is also employing tactics used by the actual Donald Trump, as he denies any wrongdoing despite the evidence, as well as calling the investigation against him political persecution, even though there is evidence against him.

Police say Bolsonaro also managed to sell two of the luxury watches he received as gifts from Saudi Arabia. The sale amounted to nearly $70,000. According to the Associated Press, Brazilian citizens are required to declare goods worth more than $1,000 if they arrive by plane. After they are declared, a tax payment equal to 50% of the item's value must be paid. Bolsonaro never paid anything for this diamond jewelry from Saudi Arabia.

Jair Bolsonaro Vaccine Scandal Investigation Enters New Stage

Meanwhile, Bolsonaro's other official indictment, the vaccine scandal, seems to be moving forward as well. According to The Brazilian Report, Brazil's Federal Police have announced they executed two search and seizure warrants regarding the case. These were implemented in Rio de Janeiro and Duque de Caxias.

These searches involved Bolsonaro transportation secretary Washington Reis and Duque de Caxias municipal health secretary Celia Serrano. A Federal Police report noted that Reis was still the mayor of Duque de Caxias, and he ordered Serrano to falsify public vaccine records.

READ MORE: Brazil Police Officially Open Investigation Into Jair Bolsonaro Stay at Hungarian Embassy

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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