Probe into Lula's son fuels tension between Brazil's top court and Federal Police

A dispute between the Federal Police and Supreme Court Minister André Mendonça has escalated over investigations involving Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, son of President Lula. Mendonça has reportedly pressured the Federal Police for a faster pace in the inquiries, while the police leadership has considered actions to counter his oversight.

The friction has spilled into other government circles, raising concerns that the conflict could taint the ongoing investigations. Some within the administration fear the public nature of the disagreement might foster perceptions of a dysfunctional investigative process. They worry that any outcome, such as the indictment of Lula da Silva, could be viewed as a political victory or defeat rather than the result of technical work.

Although the Federal Police initiated the inquiry, Mendonça was assigned the case through a random draw. The government views the tension as inopportune, given the complexity of high-profile cases that naturally involve varying investigative speeds depending on factors like the number of individuals involved, evidence volume, and investigative methods.

Mendonça had previously questioned delays in receiving materials related to fraud investigations at the INSS, which led to the new inquiries into Lula da Silva. He also sought information on changes within the investigative team and a lack of communication regarding these alterations. The minister had authorized the unsealing of Lula da Silva's bank, tax, and communication records in February.

More recently, Lula da Silva became the target of a new inquiry on suspicion of influence peddling related to the trade of cannabidiol. This request was filed independently of the INSS case, which some STF aides saw as an attempt to bypass Mendonça's oversight. The case was sent for distribution, and Mendonça was again assigned as the rapporteur, maintaining his control.