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


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.
"Lula never participated, directly or indirectly, in any illegal act during or after his government," a spokesperson for the former president said Thursday, using de Silva's nickname.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
De Silva was a popular president in Brazil, assisting in the country's rapid economic growth, and has reportedly considered a 2018 campaign.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
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.
-
Floral afternoon teas to enjoy during the Chelsea Flower Show
The Week Recommends These are the prettiest spots in the city to savour a traditional treat
-
How to plan a trip along the Mississippi River
The Week Recommends See this vital waterway from the Great River Road
-
Sudoku medium: May 15, 2025
The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read