Lula's ex-chief of staff asked for painting that lobbyist said cost €100,000, newspaper reports

Marco Aurélio Ribeiro, former chief of staff to Brazilian President Lula, is reportedly under investigation for allegedly soliciting a painting valued at €100,000 from lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger. According to a report in O Estado de S. Paulo, Ribeiro, known as Marcola, sent a message to Luchsinger asking, "And my painting?? Kkk." Luchsinger allegedly responded with a photo of the artwork, stating it was being framed for delivery and that the piece was worth €100,000, describing it as being from the "Louvre carousel." The Federal Police (PF) cited this conversation, which occurred in December 2024, as potential evidence of undue advantages received by Ribeiro. The PF also noted that Luchsinger sent Ribeiro a list of her interests in the federal government, and he advised her to discuss them by phone. Ribeiro's defense vehemently denies the accusations, asserting that he never received the artwork or any other valuable items. They argue that the inclusion of "kkk" in his message indicates it was not a serious demand. Furthermore, Ribeiro's lawyers claim the investigation is being partially leaked to distort its content and state that he never mediated negotiations or processed documents related to public purchases or bids. The defense also highlighted that Ribeiro received R$ 249,000 from Luchsinger, which he described as a personal, repaid loan. He left the presidential palace in June to join Lula's campaign but resigned from the committee amid the crisis. Reports also indicate Luchsinger paid R$ 217,000 for Ribeiro's credit card bills, vehicle financing, and other expenses. The crisis has also touched Lula's son, Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, who is reportedly a friend of Luchsinger and may have been an indirect beneficiary of her lobbying efforts to facilitate the sale of cannabidiol-based medicines to the federal government.

“

And my painting?? Kkk.