Jair Bolsonaro and jewellery worth millions: What are the ‘smuggling’ allegations against Brazil’s ex-prez

These concerns persisted because there was no immediate response from Bolsonaro or his supporters after the results in 2022 and he has not officially conceded. On January 8, 2023, his supporters rioted at important national landmarks in Brasilia. Bolsonaro has stayed put in the United States since he left.

What are the allegations against Bolsonaro?

On March 6, a criminal probe was ordered into Bolsonaro’s alleged efforts to illegally bring $3.2 million of jewellery into Brazil.

Justice Minister Flavio Dino on March 6 ordered police to investigate the case, Reuters reported. It relates to gifts that Bolsonaro received from the Saudi government as President in 2021, with luxury jewellery presented to him and his wife, former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro. It was seized by customs officials at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport in October 2021.

Based on an Al Jazeera report quoting the O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper, a government staffer tried to bring the jewellery in their backpack, which was confiscated at the airport. The backpack contained a diamond necklace, a ring, a watch and earrings designed by Chopard, a luxury Swiss jeweller.

According to the Reuters report, Brazillians are allowed to bring in $1,000 of goods or gifts and they must pay heavy taxes for anything over that value. Sources also told Reuters that “a series of letters from officials in Bolsonaro’s government” shows that he attempted to ask for the jewellery to be released.

Bolsonaro said he was being “crucified”, claiming the gifts were never actually received by him.

How does this affect Bolsonaro’s return to Brazil?

Bolsonaro entered the United States on a visa reserved for heads of state and other government officials. He is living in the state of Florida and later extended his stay by applying for a six-month tourist visa. But apart from the accusations over the jewellery, there are larger concerns over his return.

In January, Bolsonaro supporters stormed the Supreme Court, broke windows, set off fires, clashed with the police, and raised slogans. They draped themselves in Brazilian flags, announced that the country and Congress belonged to them, and filmed their actions on cell phones. It led to comparisons with the January 6, 2021 riots in the US Capitol, led by supporters of former US President Donald Trump where they were protesting against what they believed was a “stolen” election from Trump in 2020.

The incident led to some in Brazil holding Bolsonaro responsible as well. President Lula said Bolsonaro “triggered” the violence. “He spurred attacks on the three powers whenever he could. This is also his responsibility,” Lula said in an address to the nation, The NYT reported. A few weeks later, Brazil’s Supreme Court agreed to include Bolsonaro in its investigation of the day’s events.

The leader was earlier to return in March to lead the opposition against the Lula government, but the party suspended the plan after the scandal broke, Bloomberg reported.