Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro faces increasing threat of arrest over jewelery scandal he is writing Guard. According to the publication, the former politician’s friends and enemies believe that his arrest is only a matter of time.
“Bolsonaro and seven of his close friends, including his wife, have been questioned by federal police on suspicion of embezzlement and money laundering. Investigators believe expensive gifts from foreign governments were smuggled out of Brazil during the presidential election. This is the fifth time Bolsonaro has been questioned since he resigned in January after an electoral defeat against leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose candidacy was banned until 2030.
The jewelery scandal takes its name from a pair of diamond earrings worth 3m euros, which were a gift from Saudi Arabia in 2021 and are being smuggled out of Brazil. According to the investigation, they were able to buy and sell a diamond-studded Rolex and a Patek Philippe watch from the country, and the money was transferred to Bolsonaro.
As The Guardian points out, the former president himself does not plead guilty, but one of his former colleagues is collaborating with the police. The publication emphasizes that Bolsonaro’s aide could come to an agreement on the investigation that would lead to the arrest of the politician.
Formerly Bolsonaro accused in nine crimes.