Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been indicted by the country's Federal Police for alleged money laundering and criminal association. The accusations stem from diamonds he purportedly received from Saudi Arabia during his time in office. The details of the crimes Bolsonaro is being accused of have not been disclosed at this time.
Confirmation of the indictment came from two officials speaking on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. The Brazilian Supreme Court is yet to receive the police report containing the indictment. Once received, Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet, an appointee of current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will review the document and determine if criminal charges and a trial are warranted.
This marks the second formal accusation of criminal wrongdoing against Bolsonaro. In March, he was charged with falsifying his COVID-19 vaccine records. Additionally, authorities are investigating his alleged role in inciting a 2023 uprising in Brasília, aimed at removing the newly-elected Lula from office.
Bolsonaro has vehemently denied all allegations of misconduct. The political landscape in Brazil remains tense as these legal proceedings unfold, with implications for the country's leadership and governance.
