Bolsonaro Forced to Hand Over Precious Gems
March 28, 23
(IDEX Online) - Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro has become embroiled in a second jewelry scandal.
He's been forced to hand over precious gems he received during his three years in office.
Earlier this month authorities launched an investigation into claims he failed to declare diamond jewelry valued at $3.2m that was seized at at Sao Paulo international airport in 2021.
The items, including a Chopard diamond necklace, earrings and watch, were a gift from the Saudi government to him and his wife Michelle.
Last week, in a new development, he was given five days to deposit a box of precious gems, also received during his presidency, at a bank in the capital Brasilia, along with a gun, also a gift.
Mr Bolsonaro, who lost last October's election to left wing rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, denies any wrongdoing.
Brazilian law requires travelers entering the country to declare all items worth over $1,000.
Pic courtesy Brazil's Federal Revenue Department shows the items seized at Sao Paulo international airport