EX-BRAZIL PRESIDENT JAIR BOLSONARO INVOLVED IN TINY ($3.2 MILLION) GIFTING SCANDAL

[Judi Lynn]

"I'm getting crucified for a present I never received," he says.

BY MICHAEL NATALEPUBLISHED: MAR 17, 2023



JOE RAEDLE//GETTY IMAGES

Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro is under fire for his staff's alleged failure to declare $3.2 million in jewelry at customs during his presidency.

Bolsonaro's lawyers insist the President did not violate the law.

The right-wing leader has been residing in the United States since his election loss.

It hasn't been the smoothest of sailing for ex-President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, what with the lost election, and the post-election riots, and the accusations of crimes against humanity and all. And while Bolsonaro is currently enjoying fun in the Florida sun, he's also, according to NPR, now in hot water for a simple gift.

After all, who amongst us hasn't allegedly brought roughly $3.2 million in jewelry from the Saudi government in the backpack of a government aide accompanying our energy minister into Brazil and failed to declare it at customs or pay taxes on it?

As NPR reports, "the jewels," which include a diamond necklace, matching earrings, a watch and a ring, "...were reportedly a gift from the Saudi government to Michelle Bolsonaro, the wife of Brazil's then-President Jair Bolsonaro, and have been held by customs officials since then."

Customs agents discovered the jewelry in the backpack of a government aide accompanying then-energy minister Admiral Bento Albuquerque, both of whom were returning home from a mining conference in Saudi Arabia.

More:
https://www.bestproducts.com/lifestyle/a43347980/former-brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-jewelry-gift-scandal/