Brasilia: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been found guilty in the case of stealing diamond jewelry from Saudi Arabia. While in power, Bolsonaro and his partner were given $3.2 million worth of jewelry during their visit to Saudi Arabia. Bolsonaro has been found guilty of trying to smuggle them illegally. The gift consists of diamond necklace, ring, watches and earrings.
In 2021, customs officials found some of the jewelry in the hand of Bolsonaro’s aide who returned from Saudi Arabia at Sao Paulo International Airport in Brazil. Supreme Court Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes ordered an investigation into the incident and found that some of the items had been sold. Bolsonaro is currently charged with money laundering and a criminal case for stealing jewelry.
In August 2023, police alleged that Bolsenaro had sold two luxury watches as gifts from Saudi Arabia for $70,000 and received the money. According to Brazilian law, citizens arriving from abroad must declare and pay taxes if they carry goods worth more than US$1,000. Tax is 50 percent of the value. If it is brought through the right path, it will be treated as an asset to the country even though it will get tax exemption. The assistant is caught while trying to get around the legal loophole.
The new charge sheet has not been filed in the Supreme Court. Only after that process is completed will a decision be made as to whether a trial is necessary. Bolsonaro is also being investigated for calling for riots to oust Lula da Silva from power in the capital Brasilia on January 8, 2023.
