BRASILIA, Brazil — Then Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro ordered an aide to promote undeclared luxurious jewellery obtained as a present and funnel the cash to him, a lawyer for the aide charged Friday.

Cezar Bittencourt, who represents Bolsonaro’s former right-hand man, Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, mentioned his shopper had recounted receiving these orders from Bolsonaro shortly earlier than the president left workplace on the finish of final 12 months.

The declare was initially reported in an interview printed Friday by the Brazilian journal Veja, and Bittencourt confirmed his feedback in a telephone name with The Associated Press.

Bittencourt mentioned that in December 2022, Cid requested a few Rolex watch the president was given by authorities of Saudi Arabia in 2019. Bolsonaro replied that Cid ought to “deal with it,” which ultimately led to the aide promoting two watches within the U.S. and handing the cash to Bolsonaro, the lawyer mentioned.

Per week in the past, Brazil’s Federal Police charged that Bolsonaro obtained money from the almost $70,000 sale of the 2 watches. They had been a part of a complete of three units of bijou given to the then president by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Officials from Bolsonaro’s workplace introduced the jewellery into Brazil with out declaring them, which sparked suspicions of cash laundering and unlawful private possession of presidency objects. That investigation turned public in March.

Brazil requires residents arriving by airplane from overseas to declare items value greater than $1,000 and pay a tax of fifty% of the worth above that threshold. The jewellery could be exempt from tax if it was an official reward to Brazil, however wouldn't have been Bolsonaro’s to maintain.

Bolsonaro and his legal professionals contend the units of bijou had been private presents and due to this fact may be bought as he needs. Investigators say he didn't register the jewellery in his private assortment till simply earlier than he left workplace.

When the matter turned public in March, Bolsonaro initially mentioned he didn't know concerning the presents, however his camp has given numerous variations. On Friday, Bolsonaro mentioned in a video to the Brazilian newspaper Estadao that Cid had autonomy on learn how to deal with the jewellery and didn't obtain orders.

Bittencourt’s report on Cid’s declare is the primary time the previous aide has spoken publicly concerning the jewellery. Cid was arrested in May on accusations of falsifying COVID-19 vaccine playing cards for members of his circle of relatives and for Bolsonaro and his household.

In July, Cid was referred to as to testify to a particular congressional committee that's investigating the Jan. 8 rampage by Bolsonaro’s supporters within the capital, Brasilia. He remained silent all through your entire session.

On Friday, seven high-ranking navy law enforcement officials had been arrested in reference to the Jan. 8 assaults.

A couple of hours later, Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes licensed the lifting of financial institution secrecy for Bolsonaro and Cid’s accounts within the U.S.

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