Brazil's Ex-Leader "Bolsonaro" Faces Fraud Charges Over Covid Vaccination Data

Brazil's former president, Jair Bolsonaro, finds himself embroiled in controversy once again as the country's federal police indict him on suspicion of fraud linked to Covid-19 vaccination data manipulation during his presidency, as reported by CNN Brasil.

Allegedly, Bolsonaro instructed one of his trusted aides, Lieutenant-Colonel Mauro Cid, to input false vaccination records for himself and his daughter into the Ministry of Health's system, according to CNN Brasil's sources.

Investigators claim to have amassed substantial evidence suggesting Bolsonaro's direct involvement in orchestrating the falsification, indicating his willingness to distort the nation's health data for his benefit.

The indictment extends beyond Bolsonaro alone, roping in 15 others, including his close aide, in the alleged scheme.

Responding to the indictment, Bolsonaro's lawyer, Fabio Wajngarten, denounced it as "absurd," emphasizing Bolsonaro's known stance on vaccination. He argued that as president, Bolsonaro was exempt from vaccine requirements for official travel.

Last year, Brazilian authorities raided Bolsonaro's residence in Brasilia in connection with suspicions of tampering with vaccination records. Bolsonaro, at the time, denied receiving the Covid-19 vaccine and insisted that his vaccination documentation remained untouched.

Now, Brazil's Prosecutor's Office holds the key to deciding the fate of the indictment, marking another legal hurdle for the beleaguered ex-president.

Bolsonaro's tenure was marred by criticism both domestically and internationally for his downplaying of the pandemic's severity, including discouraging vaccination efforts, despite Brazil grappling with a devastating Covid-19 outbreak.

His defiance even extended to flouting a UN mandate requiring vaccination for entry into its headquarters in New York, a move that resulted in several members of his delegation contracting the virus.

The indictment compounds Bolsonaro's legal woes, as he faces scrutiny over allegations of involvement in a purported coup attempt to retain power following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. Former ministers from his administration are under investigation, and some aides have been arrested.

In January 2023, following Bolsonaro's electoral loss to leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, his supporters erupted in violence, storming government buildings in Brasilia. Bolsonaro denies any responsibility for instigating the unrest.

Last year, Brazil's highest electoral court barred Bolsonaro from seeking political office until 2030, citing abuses of power and misuse of public media during the 2022 election campaign.