Brasalia: In a significant development, a Supreme Court judge in Brazil has granted permission for police to access the bank records of former president Jair Bolsonaro and his wife, Michelle.

The investigation centers on allegations that the couple embezzled jewelry and other official gifts received during Bolsonaro's presidency. These objects, including a diamond-encrusted Rolex and jewels from Swiss luxury brand Chopard, were reportedly acquired from countries such as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has authorized federal police to delve into the Bolsonaros' bank and tax records within Brazil. Additionally, they are allowed to seek access to the couple's financial records in the United States, as reported by Brazilian media outlets, including G1.

While both the Supreme Court and federal police have yet to confirm these reports, the investigation has been marked by recent developments. Last week, Moraes ordered police raids on residences connected to several of Bolsonaro's allies as part of the ongoing inquiry.

This investigation is the latest in a series of legal challenges faced by Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil's president from 2019 to 2022. Notably, he left for the United States shortly before the end of his term, declining to attend the inauguration of his successor, veteran leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Lula emerged victorious in a contentious election last October, marking a shift in Brazil's political landscape.

During his time in the United States, Bolsonaro's associates allegedly attempted to sell valuable gifts from foreign governments. In April, Bolsonaro was ordered to undergo police questioning but maintained his innocence regarding the allegations.

Known colloquially as the "Tropical Trump," Bolsonaro returned to Brazil in March, where he has since faced a series of legal and political challenges. He has been barred from seeking public office for eight years by electoral authorities due to unsubstantiated claims of widespread voting fraud. Furthermore, the Supreme Court is investigating his potential involvement in the January 8 riots, during which his supporters stormed the presidential palace, Congress, and high court headquarters, urging a military intervention to remove Lula.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, authorities recently arrested commanders from the Brasilia police force due to their alleged negligence in preventing the January 8 invasions. Prosecutors underscored the presence of "deep ideological contamination" and adherence to "conspiracy theories" within the military police force, signaling broader concerns.

Among those arrested were the former commander of the force and his successor. As this investigation unfolds, it offers a multifaceted view into the intersection of Brazilian politics, legality, and governance.