Brazil’s Federal Police files case against Bolsonaro
Despite the latest developments, Bolsonaro’s arrest is not to be requested in the near future
Brazil’s Federal Police (PF) have accused former President Jair Bolsonaro of money laundering and conspiracy to commit a crime related to the attempted misappropriation of jewelry gifted by Saudi Arabia during his time in office.
The investigation report will be forwarded to Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre De Moraes, who is overseeing the case. The Prosecutor’s Office will then review the evidence to determine if Bolsonaro and eleven others, including former Minister Bento Albuquerque and other associates, should be prosecuted.
Bolsonaro allegedly tried to sell the jewels in the United States but returned them to the Presidency’s archive when the scandal emerged. Despite his allies claiming no wrongdoing, police estimate the jewels to be worth about 5 million reais.
While no immediate arrest is expected, Bolsonaro has faced other legal challenges, including accusations of falsifying Covid-19 vaccination records and involvement in the storming of government buildings.
President Lula da Silva has called for Bolsonaro to receive a fair trial with due process.