Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: One was killed, another injured in a raid by an Israeli drone on the city of Khiam in South Lebanon
London views possibility of setting fire to tanker in port of friendly country to Russia to damage port infrastructure, initiate an international probe: Moscow
One of London's scenarios involves setting up accident with 'undesirable' tanker in one of the bottlenecks of maritime communications: Russian foreign intelligence agency
London plans to organize major sabotage with tankers to declare transportation of Russian oil to international shipping: Russian foreign intelligence agency
UK intelligence agencies plan to use NATO allies to launch massive raid on 'Shadow Fleet': Russian foreign intelligence agency
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.

Police conclude Bolsonaro embezzled $1.22mln worth of luxury gifts

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 9 Jul 2024 09:50
4 Min Read

The gifts include diamond-encrusted Rolex and Patek Phillipe watches, a necklace, rings, and cufflinks.

Listen
  • x
  • Then-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro attends a television debate at the Globo TV studio in Rio de Janeiro on October 28, 2023. (AFP)
    Then-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro attends a television debate at the Globo TV studio in Rio de Janeiro on October 28, 2023. (AFP)

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro allegedly benefitted from an illegal scheme, embezzling $1.2 million worth of jewelry and other luxury items received as gifts, a probe by the police concluded on Monday.

The police report, submitted to the Supreme Federal Court (STF), revealed that government officials had allegedly "acted to divert" multiple valuable gifts from foreign governments abroad, amounting to a total of $1.22 million, "with the aim of... the illicit enrichment of the then-president."

The jewelry included diamond-encrusted Rolex and Patek Phillipe watches, a necklace, rings, and cufflinks, according to the detailed 500-page report, detailing that some of the items were gifted to Bolsonaro's government staffers on his behalf during international visits. 

STF judge Alexandr de Moraes has given prosecutors 15 days to decide if Bolsonaro will be formally indicted, following the attainment of the jewelry cash sales "without using the formal banking system."

Paulo Cunha, Bolsonaro's lawyer, wrote on X that the heads of state "have no direct or indirect influence" on what happens to official gifts.

The right-wing politician denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was a victim of judicial persecution under President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva's leftist government.

The former president is also standing trial for allegedly falsifying COVID-19 documents and conspiring to plot a coup in January 2023, where thousands of his supporters called for Lula's removal from power through military force by storming Brazil's Congress, Supreme Court, and presidential offices.

Bolsonaro's case began in October 2021, after customs seized an undeclared set of diamond jewelry from Saudi Arabia.

Related News

Lead Brazilian Judge warns of US-backed plot as Bolsonaro faces trial

Trump's Bolsonaro defense prompts sharp Lula response

Saudi diamonds scandal 

According to one of Brazil's conservative publications, in October 2021, Sao Paulo airport customs authorities intercepted a $3.2 million set of diamond earrings that a military official traveling with one of Bolsonaro's ministers attempted to bring in his backpack without registering. The Bolsonaro administration attempted, but failed, to retrieve the jewelry, which was allegedly a gift from Saudi Arabia to the then-first lady, Michelle Bolsonaro.

Then in September, Bolsonaro's former personal secretary allegedly informed authorities that he turned over tens of thousands of dollars to his former boss after selling two costly watches received as official presents by Brazil's ex-president.

Lt. Col Mauro Cid Barbosa, Bolsonaro's aide-de-camp throughout his 2019-23 administration, was freed from police custody after reaching a plea agreement.

According to the deal, Cid had to submit information about a number of suspected crimes committed under Bolsonaro's government, including an attempted coup plan and a scandal involving the alleged misuse of expensive foreign gifts.

Shortly before his release, Bolsonaro's former right-hand man allegedly submitted a statement to Brazilian federal authorities in which he confessed to selling a Rolex and Patek Philippe watches for $68,000 before giving the money to Bolsonaro in cash.

Bolsonaro's indictment

According to a source familiar with the situation, Bolsonaro was charged by Federal Police with money laundering and criminal association to undisclosed diamonds that the far-right leader had received from Saudi Arabia while in office.

The indictment was confirmed by a second source, however, they did not specify the exact crimes.

Last year in August, a Brazilian Supreme Court judge gave police permission to search the bank accounts of Jair and Michelle Bolsonaro, who are accused of embezzlement while they were in office.

The controversy involves lavish gifts from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and first made news three months after Bolsonaro stepped down following his loss of the election in October 2022.

  • Brazil
  • Jair Bolsonaro
  • Bolsonaro

Most Read

An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025
An explosion seen during an Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv, Occupied Palestine, June 13, 2025 (AP)

If Iran is attacked again, geography of response may change: IRGC spox

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Israeli soldiers drive on their armored personnel carrier back from inside the northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP)
Politics

Full occupation of Gaza on the table despite military's opposition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the audience at a conference in occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, Sunday, July 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Netanyahu blamed for sabotaging Gaza captives deal, say their families

A mine operated by Serra Verde Mining in Minacu, Goias state, Brazil, Monday, July 28, 2025 (AP)
Politics

China’s mineral export ban disrupts US defense supply chain

ap
Politics

Aid allowed by 'Israel' covers only 14% of Gaza's needs: Media Office

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS