Jewelry scandal could delay Bolsonaro's return to Brazil

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A criminal investigation into alleged attempts by former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to smuggle $3.2 million worth of jewelry into the country could further delay his return from the US, Bolsonaro's sources told Reuters.

Justice Minister Flavio Dino on Monday ordered police to investigate the case. Bolsonaro is in self-imposed exile in the United States after losing the presidential election last year. Arabia, were confiscated by customs officers at Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport in October 2021.

According to local media reports, Bolsonaro's administration unsuccessfully tried several times to return the jewels through government officials.

The episode is further complicated by a series of letters from officials in Bolsonaro's government asking for the jewels, sources say. , one was sent ahead of his departure for the United States, two days before his term expired in December.

Bolsonaro said he plans to return to Brazil this month to lead the opposition and defend himself against allegations of that he provoked riots on January 8 in Brazil when his supporters stormed government buildings. He also announced plans to run again for the presidency in 2026.

His son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, said earlier in Wednesday that his father would return on March 15, but quickly deleted the message.
“Sorry for the previous post, I might miss it a lot,” — he tweeted, adding that the date is “likely but still unconfirmed”.

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