Bolsonaro's son faces probe over embezzlement by hiring 'ghost employees'

Brazilian prosecutors have started a new investigation into eldest son of President Jair Bolsonaro over suspicion he embezzled public money by hiring "ghost employees," officials said. Rio de Janeiro Prosecutors' Office said in a statement Saturday y were investigating Flavio Bolsonaro -- a 38-year-old senator -- in relation to " employment of ghost employees" from his cabinet.

Hit by scandals

  events in question date to period he was a regional deputy of State of Rio. Flavio's far, far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, took office on a promise of ericating corruption but has been repeatedly hit by scandals involving his son. At beginning of year, ar investigation initially focused on Flavio's former bodyguard and driver, a policeman named Fabricio Queiroz.

Re: Brazil President Bolsonaro To Start His Own Party After Quitting PSL

An investigation involving Flavio's former bodyguard

Brazil's government anti-financial crimes ncy COAF detected 1.2 million reais in transactions me in 2016 through Queiroz's accounts (equivalent to $344,500 according to aver exchange rates that year), far exceeding his salary. One transaction was a deposit to an account belonging to President Bolsonaro's wife Michelle. president said it was repayment of an undeclared loan he h me to Queiroz.

Re: Brazilian Prez Bolsonaro To Be Chief Guest At India's Republic Day Celebrations In 2020

Far and son denied wrongdoing

Later, it was revealed that COAF also found 48 deposits to Flavio Bolsonaro's account in June and July 2017 -- some me within minutes of each or -- that totalled 96,000 reais. Both Queiroz and Flavio Bolsonaro denied wrongdoing in media interviews. prosecutor's office opened an investigation into case, but it was suspended in July after Supreme Court decided judicial authorization was needed to obtain this of financial data. decision could soon be reversed, however, after court last week began a fresh debate in plenary session, result of which could exempt prosecutors from requiring such authorization. 

Re: Brazil's Bolsonaro To Walk Diplomatic Tightrope At BRICS

Re: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro On Oil Spill: 'Worst Is Yet To Come'