Brazil’s Supreme Court is investigating Bolsonaro over alleged illegal jewelry sales

Brazil’s top court, the Supreme Federal Tribunal, has mandated a financial disclosure for former President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) and his wife, Michele Firmo, amidst allegations concerning the illicit sale of presidential jewels.

The directive, issued by Judge Alexandre de Moraes, was in response to a request from the Federal Police.

They are scrutinizing the alleged unauthorized sale of jewelry gifts presented to the Brazilian presidency by foreign governments in U.S. auction houses.

Reports from the state-run Agencia Brasil and GloboNews revealed Moraes’ decision.

They are investigating the Jan. 8 uprising, which has been described as an attempted coup, and related crimes involving pro-Bolsonaro factions.

The investigation centers on the smuggling of jewels gifted during Bolsonaro’s tenure, which were allegedly diverted for private sale.

Initial findings suggest these activities commenced in mid-2022 and concluded early this year, coinciding with Bolsonaro’s three-month stay in the U.S. post-presidency.

Among those implicated is Bolsonaro’s former aide, Mauro Cid, who is currently under arrest.

Cid’s legal team indicates he might confess to participating in the jewelry transactions to funnel funds to the ex-president.

As per the Federal Court of Audit regulations, gifts from foreign governments should be entrusted to the Adjunct Cabinet of Historical Documentation, the presidential department responsible for safeguarding such gifts.

The inquiry aims to ascertain if the jewelry sales proceeds were transferred to Bolsonaro, as per the Federal Police’s report to the Supreme Court.

Additionally, Moraes has greenlit an international collaboration request, seeking U.S. intervention in disclosing the financial details of those under investigation who have accounts in the U.S.