Federal Police request for Lulinha probe sparks surprise at Supreme Court

A request by Brazil's Federal Police to open a new investigation into Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, son of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and widely known as Lulinha, has generated surprise and speculation within the Supreme Court of Justice (STF).

The new inquiry, authorized by Minister André Mendonça, reportedly centers on suspicions of influence peddling by Lulinha within the Planalto Palace and the Ministry of Health. These dealings are said to involve business negotiations related to the use of medicinal cannabis in Brazil. The suspicion arose during the investigation into fraud within the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), specifically concerning dealings between Lulinha and an individual known as "Careca do INSS" (the INSS Bald Man).

The timing of this new police action has drawn particular attention. It coincides with efforts by Lulinha's defense team to have a previous investigation into the INSS scandal archived. This previous probe, which also involves Lulinha, could provide ammunition to the opposition against President Lula, especially with elections on the horizon. Legal experts note that while the two investigations could proceed separately, the emergence of a new, distinct inquiry might be strategically used by the defense to push for the closure of the original INSS case.

Lulinha's defense has insisted on the archiving of the INSS case, even after the Federal Police indicated that a comprehensive analysis of evidence, including data from Lulinha's sealed records and materials seized in the "Operação Sem Desconto" (Operation Without Discount), would not be completed until next year. This delay is partly attributed to the priority given to cases involving individuals in pre-trial detention. Lulinha's defense has also reportedly met with the Federal Police director-general to request the case's dismissal. Lulinha himself has acknowledged in a court filing that he traveled to Portugal, with expenses covered by "Careca do INSS," to explore business opportunities in medicinal cannabis. He was introduced to "Careca do INSS" by businesswoman Roberta Luchsinger, who received R$1.5 million from the businessman for consulting services related to the regulation of the medicinal cannabis market in Brazil. Lulinha's defense denies any wrongdoing.