Brazil's former president Lula has been detained in massive oil fraud inquiry

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Former Brazilian president is detained for fraud.
(Image credit: NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images)

Police raided the home of former Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Friday morning due to an inquiry into fraud involving the national oil company, Petrobras. De Silva, 70, is under suspicion due to his construction companies profiting from government contracts; he is reportedly being investigated for a kickback scheme in which he is believed to have received money and luxury real estate, Fortune reports. De Silva has not been arrested or charged.

The BBC reports that dozens of other executives and politicians have been arrested for charges related to Petrobras contracts. Many others are also being investigated.

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De Silva was a popular president in Brazil, assisting in the country's rapid economic growth, and has reportedly considered a 2018 campaign.

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Jeva Lange
Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.