Brazil's police allege Bolsonaro got money from $70,000 sale of luxury jewelry gifts

[Judi Lynn]

Brazil’s federal police allege former President Jair Bolsonaro received cash from the sale of two luxury watches he received as gifts from Saudi Arabia while in office

ByCARLA BRIDI and MAURICIO SAVARESE Associated Press
August 11, 2023, 7:35 PM


BRASILIA, Brazil -- Brazil’s federal police on Friday alleged former President Jair Bolsonaro received cash from the nearly $70,000 sale of two luxury watches he received as gifts from Saudi Arabia while in office, posing another potential blow for the embattled far-right leader.

Earlier in the day, officers raided the homes and offices of several people purportedly involved in the case, including a four-star army general. Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing involving the gifts.

A Federal Police officer said the force is seeking authoriziation to access the personal banking and financial information of Bolsonaro. The officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the investigation, said the Federal Police had asked for help from the FBI.

Bolsonaro’s lawyers said in a statement that he would authorize Brazil’s judiciary to have access to his banking records. “President Bolsonaro has never embezzled or misplaced any public assets,” it said.

More:
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/brazils-police-allege-bolsonaro-money-70000-sale-luxury-102213063