Former President Jair Bolsonaro returns to Brazil

BUENOS AIRES

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro returned to Brazil on Thursday after spending three months in the US.

The far-right politician touched down on Brazilian soil at 6.38 am local time on a commercial flight from Orlando, Florida ahead of schedule, according to news outlet Poder360.

At the airport in the capital, Brasilia, Bolsonaro was met by hundreds of supporters, many of whom embraced the 68-year-old politician and shook hands with him.

Some took to their mobile phones to record Bolsonaro's return to the country, some carried messages on placards and waved Brazil flags.

Others shouted "the captain has returned" in reference to the former Brazilian president who they regard as their leader.

Security around the airport was increased with blockades and with the presence of the Military Police who had set up around the area.

As he left the airport, Bolsonaro's convoy was accompanied by security, with helicopters and vehicles from the civil and military police.

Bolsonaro has already met with his close allies at the headquarters of his Liberal Party in Brasilia this Thursday, according to Metropoles.

Bolsonaro has reportedly said he will provide his testimony to authorities regarding the case of allegedly undeclared jewelery.

Authorities have already launched an investigation into allegations that he and his entourage may have attempted to illegally bring $3.2 million worth of luxury jewelery without declaring them from the Saudi Arabian government to Bolsonaro and his wife in 2021.

The items were seized by customs officials in October of that year after being discovered in a backpack of a government aide.

Jan. 8 raids

Bolsonaro also faces an investigation concerning the Jan. 8 invasion and ransacking of Brazil's three powers of government.

His supporters managed to invade and ransack the Planalto Palace, or President's Office, Congress and the Supreme Federal Court -- until they were contained by security forces.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva alleged that Bolsonaro rallied his base on social media and through public speeches, a charge Bolsonaro denied.