Brazilian Tycoon, Twice-Jailed, Acts as Secret Diplomat for Americas
Part of composite article The Real War Is Inside Us: How Societies Turn on Themselves View full article →
A Brazilian meat billionaire, convicted of corruption and linked to deforestation, has become an unexpected diplomatic fixer for the Americas.
Joesley Batista is credited as a major force behind the recent reconciliation between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazilian leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
His role was highlighted in a high-risk visit to Venezuela in November. At that time, six international airlines had suspended flights over fears of possible U.S. military action.
Yet an ultra-long-haul executive jet from São Paulo landed calmly in Caracas. Batista was on board.
He met with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, whom many countries call a dictator, before returning to Brazil the next day.
Batista has been jailed twice for corruption. His companies, the world's largest meat processor, also have a long record of environmental violations.