Chopard Jewels in Brazil

Credit Times of Malta

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gifted a diamond necklace, earrings and a watch to Michelle the spouse and First Lady of the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro during an official visit to the Kingdom. The jewels are certified by Chopard with an estimated market value at around three million Euros. For those wanting to flaunt high ended brands Chopard is famous as a trusted heritage watch and jewellery brand with each item exquisitely designed in Switzerland. The matter got scandalised when an attempt was made to surreptitiously bring the gifts to Brazil as private luggage without payment of taxes. The customs duty and taxes works out to around 75 % of the value of the gift. The couple feigned ignorance of this event and denied any complicity. As per the regulations prevailing in Brazil a state gift is exempted from duties and taxes but remains public property.

Credit The Hill

Saudis Dispensers of Patronage

The former President’s response to CNN was  “I am being accused of a gift I neither asked for nor received. See my personal corporate card. I have never withdrawn or paid a penny on that card”. Similar incidents have been reported in Pakistan and the courts have taken cognisance of private and non transparent auctions and distribution of official gifts received by numerous government functionaries which they are duty bound to declare and are essentially public property. Perhaps if the Saudis held back as dispensers of patronage such scandals would not be taking place. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not respond or comment to queries from the international press and media and as a practice avoids getting involved in the gift imbroglio .Digital platforms and the internet have made it impossible to conceal or suppress such controversial acts and such delinquent officials are placed in the public glare.