STF Justice Authorizes Third Inquiry Into President Lula's Son for Influence Peddling

Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino authorized the opening of a third inquiry into Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, known as Lulinha, to investigate suspicions of influence peddling. The investigation follows a request from the Federal Police (PF) and focuses on alleged illicit business dealings within the federal government. Justice Dino also authorized a separate investigation into the illegal leaking of confidential information related to the case. Lulinha is already the subject of two other inquiries authorized by Justice André Mendonça. These previous investigations examine suspicions of corruption and influence peddling regarding the commercialization of medicinal cannabis and potential favors granted to a businessman at Dataprev, the government's social security technology company. One report specifies that the third inquiry involves a technology company with government contracts totaling 81.1 million reais. Another report notes that the PF found financial movements between Roberta Luchsinger, an associate of Lulinha, and Marco Aurélio Santana, a former chief of staff for President Lula. Santana stated these movements were for a loan that has since been repaid. President Lula has stated that his son will not receive privileges and must prove his innocence, asserting that anyone found guilty must pay for their mistakes. Lulinha's defense has denied any wrongdoing, describing the investigations as a fishing expedition and suggesting they are driven by political interests. The timing of these inquiries has caused concern within the government as they coincide with the start of the presidential campaign period.