Brazilian authorities search Bolsonaro’s home.
Brazil’s Former President Bolsonaro Accused of Forging COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate
Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, and several of his family members and advisors have been accused of forging COVID-19 vaccine certificates to gain entry into the United States. Police raided Bolsonaro’s home in the capital of Brasilia and confiscated his mobile phone as part of the investigation. Bolsonaro has denied the allegations and claims that he did not receive the vaccine.
The Federal Police have stated that the accused individuals changed the content of their vaccination certificates to avoid the current health restrictions imposed by both Brazil and the US. As part of the investigation, six people have been detained and police have raided homes in both Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro.
Supreme Court Magistrate Alexandre de Moraes has instructed the investigation, which comes as no surprise as Bolsonaro has been a controversial political figure in Brazil. At the beginning of the pandemic, the former president referred to COVID-19 as a minor flu and was against imposing restrictions.
The accusations against Bolsonaro and his associates have serious implications as Brazil has one of the highest COVID-19 death tolls in the world. Vaccines are being deployed across Brazil, but access remains limited. Vaccination certificates are required for travel and other activities, so allegations of forgery could affect the country’s efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.
This is a developing story, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
