Bolsonaro’s son Flávio denies ‘chocolate shop money laundering’

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – The son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has denied allegations that he laundered public funds, including via a chocolate shop he co-owns in Rio.

Flávio Bolsonaro’s shop was one of 24 properties raided by anti-corruption investigators earlier this week.

Other properties owned by him, his former advisors and members of President Bolsonaro’s ex-wife’s family were also raided.

Flávio Bolsonaro, now a senator, was a Rio state deputy from 2003 to 2018.

The investigation relates to the alleged practice of “rachadinha” – diverting the salaries of non-existent employees, which is alleged to have taken place during this period.

On Thursday, President Bolsonaro – who was elected after vowing to end corruption – declined to comment, saying: “I can only answer for myself.”