Lula under probe over influence peddling allegations

The Federal Public Prosecution Office has started a probe over allegations that former President Lula has resorted to illegal influence peddling in order to attract contracts for construction conglomerate Odebrecht in the Dominican Republic and Cuba between 2011 and 2014.

According to the ruling opening the document for the criminal inquiry, dated July 8, the ex-president “was reportedly granted economic benefits by the construction company Odebrecht supposedly in an attempt to interfere in the dealings of foreign officials, most notably from the Dominican Republic and Cuba, and of Brazilian federal officials.” In the case of Cuba, the projects in question were funded by Brazil's Social Development Bank (BNDES).

Federal District Public Attorney Valtan Furtado, in charge of the case, has requested copies of the documents from Operation Car Wash investigators concerning the projects carried out overseas which may have been financed with funds coming directly or indirectly from BNDES, or having some connection with Lula. Also required were copies of bank statements for alleged deposits by the construction companies into the bank accounts of the one-time head of state himself, as well as of the Lula Institute and the firm LILS Palestras e Eventos e Publicidade.

In a note, representatives from the Lula Institute say they are surprised to hear of the inquiry, adding that all data required have been submitted to the Prosecution Office. “The institute believes that there was little time for document analysis, and that it will prove that all its dealings are legal and fair.”

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira