Bolsonaro denies illegal actions with seized jewelry

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Jewellery — a set of earrings, a necklace, a ring and a watch from the Swiss brand Chopard — were gifted to Bolosonar by the Saudi government when he was in power, according to a report in the O Estado newspaper on Friday.

According to the newspaper, the set was found in the luggage of Bolsonaro's adviser and energy minister at Sao Paulo International Airport. The minister visited Saudi Arabia after attending the 2021 Middle East summit.

abroad worth more than $1,000 must be declared for tax purposes. According to a document obtained by the newspaper and later made public by Bolsonaro's former chief of staff for public relations, the jewelry was not declared.

Former PR chief Fabio Weingarten wrote on his social media account that the box was only sealed and opened by customs in Brazil. He said that since it was a presidential gift, neither he nor the members of the delegation tried to open it. .

Investigators will now investigate whether Bolsonaro tried to smuggle the jewels into Brazil to avoid paying taxes or prevent them from entering the President's public collection. when he leaves office.

On Saturday, Bolsonaro said he had never engaged in any illegal activity and that he was accused of a gift he never asked for and never received, according to a statement made by CNN Brazil.

Justice Minister Flavio Dino wrote on his social media account that he would send a letter on Monday asking the federal police to begin investigation of possible money laundering or misappropriation.

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