Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro‘s legal troubles have deepened with his recent indictment on charges of money laundering and criminal association related to undeclared diamonds from Saudi Arabia. It’s the second formal accusation against the embattled far-right leader. Brazil’s Supreme Court has yet to receive the police report with the latest indictment and the prosecutor-general has to decide whether to file charges and force Bolsonaro to stand trial.
Indictment Details
Federal Police confirmed the indictment on Thursday, which comes on the heels of a previous accusation in May alleging Bolsonaro falsified his COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The indictment centers around allegations that Bolsonaro attempted to smuggle diamond jewelry worth $3 million from Saudi Arabia without declaring it, thereby evading taxes.
The Federal Police allege that in August 2022, Bolsonaro received nearly $70,000 from the sale of luxury watches gifted by Saudi Arabia. Brazilian law mandates the declaration of goods valued over $1,000 upon arrival from abroad, with taxes applicable on amounts exceeding this threshold. The diamonds, if considered a state gift, should have been added to the presidential collection rather than kept by Bolsonaro.
Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former aide-de-camp, is implicated in the sale of a Rolex and a Patek Philippe watch in the U.S. for $68,000. Cid, who has entered a plea bargain, confirmed these transactions. Additionally, Bolsonaro’s eldest son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, denounced the indictment as blatant persecution.
Legal Process and Potential Consequences
The indictment awaits review by Brazil’s Supreme Court. Upon receipt, Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet will assess the police report and decide whether to formally charge Bolsonaro, potentially leading to a trial. The former president and his legal team have consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming the accusations are politically motivated.
Escalating Legal Threats
This indictment significantly escalates the legal risks for Bolsonaro. His detractors see it as a necessary step toward justice, while his supporters decry it as political persecution. The former president is also under investigation for his alleged role in inciting the January 8, 2023, uprising in Brasilia, aimed at overthrowing his successor.
Legal Defense Reactions
Bolsonaro’s lawyers, Frederick Wassef and Fábio Wajngarten, have criticized the investigation. Wassef claimed he is being targeted for defending Bolsonaro, while Wajngarten asserted that the Federal Police have no evidence implicating him.
Political Ramifications
Bolsonaro maintains a strong political base, evidenced by significant public support, such as the February protest in Sao Paulo with approximately 185,000 participants. Critics, especially those aligned with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, have consistently pushed for Bolsonaro’s arrest.
It is assumed that the Supreme Court and Justice Alexandre de Moraes will proceed cautiously to avoid inflaming Bolsonaro’s supporters. Bolsonaro will face increasing legal challenges, particularly in light of last year’s ruling that rendered him ineligible for elections until 2030 due to abuse of presidential powers during his re-election campaign.