Lula Defends Investigation into Son Amid Influence Peddling Allegations

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) defended the continuation of investigations targeting his eldest son, Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, known as Lulinha, who is suspected of influence peddling and corruption. Lula stated that his son, like anyone else, must be investigated if he has acted incorrectly. Lulinha is the target of three investigations, with probes focusing on alleged influence peddling and corruption involving companies with the federal government. The investigations were authorized by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) in late July, with Minister André Mendonça serving as the relator for two of the cases and Minister Flávio Dino overseeing the third. Lulinha's proximity to lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger, who was a target of Operation Sem Desconto, brought him into the radar of investigations.