A large emerald that was smuggled to the United States two decades ago will soon return to its home country, according to a recent decision made by an American judge.
The gem, weighing more than 840 kilograms, known as the Bahia Emerald, was mined in Bahia, Brazil in 2001. The emerald has been called “cursed” because of the long legal proceedings surrounding it.
After it was stolen in 2001, many actors claimed ownership of the jewel, which led to many court cases over the past two decades. The Department of Justice (DOJ) requested a restraining order to protect the gem, which was held by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office, in 2015. The Brazilian government has sought his arrest ever since.
On Thursday, US District Judge Reggie Walton ruled that the jewel must be returned to Brazil. In a court document obtained by Fox News Digital, Walton wrote that those opposed to the Brazilian government “were not enough. [evidence] to prevent the return of the Emerald to Brazil.”
MAN STUMBLES THROUGH HIDDEN BILLIONS' GAMBLING: 'IT'S LIKE NO OTHER'
A judge has ruled that the giant “cursed” emerald may return to Brazil. (Reuters/Stock)
“When carefully considering the submissions of the parties, the Court concludes with the following reasons that it must withdraw [for the gem to remain in the U.S.] currently set in this case and grant the government's request,” Walton said.
In a statement, the white shoe law firm Mayer Brown called the decision a “victory” and explained its efforts to bring the treasure home.
DIVERS DISCOVER 130-YEAR-OLD SHIP WRECK IN LAKE MICHIGAN'S HIDDEN HOUSE
Many people claim to be the owners of this treasure, which causes many court cases. (Reuters)
“After the Brazilians involved in the illegal export of the Emerald exercised their right to appeal, Mayer Brown worked with Brazil to develop a request under the mutual legal assistance agreement (MLAT) between the United States and Brazil to enforce the confiscation order. Brazilian,” firm. he explained.
“In April 2022, the DOJ filed a petition in the US District Court for the District of Columbia under the MLAT, asking the court to order the seizure of Emerald.”
The gem, mined in Brazil, weighs 840 kilograms. (Reuters)
CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWS PROGRAM
“This week, in a big win for the country of Brazil, Judge Walton of the US District Court for the District of Columbia issued a final ruling on the DOJ's proposal to dispose of the precious stone in Brazil—ending a long court battle and setting the stage. for the Bahia Emerald to be returned to Brazil,” the company concluded.
Source link
