American judge rules cursed ‘840-pound emerald’ can be returned to Brazil

Huge emeralds smuggled into the United States Two decades ago, it would soon be back in its hometown. According to the latest decision of a US judge

The gem, which weighs more than 840 pounds, is known as the Bahia Emerald and was mined in Bahia, Brazil in 2001. The emerald has been called “cursed” due to the protracted legal proceedings surrounding it.

After it was stolen in 2001, several actors claimed ownership of the gem. It has led to countless court cases over the past two decades. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested an injunction to protect the gem. It came into the custody of the Los Angeles County Clerk’s Office in 2015. The Brazilian government has requested his detention ever since.

on Thursday U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton ruled that the gems must be returned to Brazil. In court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, Walton wrote that those arguing the Brazilian government had “insufficient (evidence) to prohibit the return of the emeralds to Brazil.”

Man stumbles across gem worth thousands hidden in dirt: ‘It’s unlike anything else’

Judge rules enormous ‘cursed’ emerald may return to Brazil (Reuters/iStock)

“After careful consideration of the litigants’ requests, The court therefore concluded for the following reasons that the stay must be cancelled. (To keep gems in the United States) currently in effect in this case. and grant the government’s request,” Walton ruled.

In a statement, white-shoe law firm Meyer Brown called the decision a “victory” and described its efforts to bring the gem home.

Divers discover a 130-year-old shipwreck with a fascinating past hidden in Lake Michigan.

Many people claim that they own gems. This has led to countless court cases. (Reuters)

“After Brazilians who participated in Emerald’s illegal exports lost their appeal rights, Mayer Brown worked with Brazil to develop a request under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) between the United States and the United States. and Brazil to enforce Brazilian confiscation orders,” the company explains.

“In April 2022, DOJ filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under the MLAT, requesting an order forfeiture of Emerald.”

This gemstone is mined in Brazil. Weighs more than 840 pounds (Reuters)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“This week In the great victory of Brazil Judge Walton of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has issued a final decision on the DOJ’s request to forfeit the gem to Brazil—ending a long court battle and paving the way for a forum to legalize the Bahia Emerald. Repatriated to Brazil,” the company concluded.