Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been indicted by Brazil’s Federal Police for money laundering and criminal association, related to undeclared diamonds he reportedly received from Saudi Arabia during his presidency.

Sources familiar with the matter confirmed the indictment, though specifics of the charges were not disclosed due to anonymity restrictions.

The indictment has yet to be officially received by Brazil’s Supreme Court, where the Prosecutor-General will review it to determine whether charges will be filed, potentially leading to a trial.

This marks Bolsonaro’s second indictment since leaving office, following a previous one in March for allegedly falsifying his COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

These legal challenges have sparked contrasting reactions, with critics viewing them as necessary legal action and supporters denouncing them as political persecution, the Associated Press has reported.

Bolsonaro and his legal team have consistently denied any wrongdoing in these cases and other ongoing investigations, including allegations of incitement related to a January 2023 uprising in Brasilia.

In a separate investigation, it was revealed that Bolsonaro may have attempted to evade taxes by not declaring diamond jewelry and luxury watches received as gifts from Saudi Arabia.

These items were allegedly sold abroad, prompting scrutiny into potential tax violations.

Written by B.C. Begley