Brazil Police Investigate President's Son Lulinha Over Medicinal Cannabis Dealings

Brazil's Federal Police have initiated an investigation into Fabio Luís Lula da Silva, widely known as Lulinha, the son of President Lula. The Supreme Federal Tribunal (STF) minister André Mendonça authorized the inquiry based on suspicions of influence peddling concerning the commercialization of medicinal cannabis.

Investigators suspect that Lulinha, along with businesswoman Roberta Luchsinger, may have acted to benefit a company connected to "Careca do INSS" (Antonio Carlos Camilo Antunes), a lobbyist implicated in schemes involving fraud within the National Social Security Institute (INSS). The Federal Police have requested that evidence gathered from a previous operation, "Sem Desconto," which targeted INSS fraud, be shared with this new investigation.

The core of the investigation focuses on alleged crimes of corruption and influence peddling in the authorization process for the commercialization of cannabis for medical purposes through programs linked to the Ministry of Health. Investigators believe Lulinha and Luchsinger may have exerted influence on the Ministry of Health and the Presidency's cabinet to favor the company "World Cannabis."

Lulinha's defense team previously acknowledged that "Careca" covered expenses for Lulinha's trip to Portugal in 2024, stating he was invited to learn about cannabis-based medicine production. However, the defense has consistently denied any illegal involvement, asserting that Lulinha did not participate in negotiations, investments, or business associations related to "World Cannabis." Roberta Luchsinger, described as a friend of Lulinha, is also under scrutiny for her alleged role in managing assets and bank accounts for the lobbyist.