Brazil is witnessing another political scandal. Once again, it concerns its former president, Jair Bolsonaro. In October 2021, upon their return from a trip to Saudi Arabia, the authorities arrested a team from that government at Sao Paulo International Airport with jewelry worth about 16.5 million riyals. [três milhões de euros].
It was a set containing a necklace, ring, watch and diamond earrings, with a Certificate of Authenticity from the Chopard brand, which was found in a resident’s backpack, which was not declared upon arrival in the country. He himself admitted to the authorities that the jewels were a gift to Michelle Bolsonaro.
The case, revealed by the newspaper “Estado de São Paulo”, forced Bolsonaro to make a statement, while he was in Washington, United States, at a conference of conservatives in North America. I was in Brazil when this gift was arranged there in the United Arab Emirates for the Minister of Mines and Energy. His advisor brought him on a shuttle plane and he stayed at customs. I didn’t find out. After two or three days, the Presidency notified the Customs that it was going to the collection. So far so good, no big deal. Can, in my opinion, be handed over by customs. It will be introduced into the collection, and handed over to the first lady. What does the legislation say? “She can use it and she cannot get rid of it,” she said in remarks reported by SBT TV.
O Globo notes that Bolsonaro had already made a similar statement, before the event in the US capital, saying he was crucified for a gift that neither he nor the former first lady received. The press says a silly thing: I had to pay 50%. I had to pay eight million. Where will I get eight million riyals from? “
The paper reveals that under Brazilian law, any items received at gift exchange ceremonies, audiences with foreign authorities, official visits or trips must be declared of public interest and become part of Brazil’s cultural heritage.
The Federal Revenue Service has already summoned the Federal Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the case.
Former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro said last Friday that she was “unaware” of the seized jewellery. “You mean I have all this and I don’t know it?”