Former Brazilian President Lula charged with money laundering

Brazil has officially filed charges against the country’s former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a money laundering investigation.

State prosecutors in Lula’s home state of Sao Paulo charged the ex-president on Wednesday in connection with a two-year-old federal graft probe.

It revolves around state-oil company Petrobras, which is already at the center of a scandal over its handling of contracts for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The nature of the charges against Lula is still sketchy. However, the former leader is accused of owning an undeclared luxury triplex apartment at a seaside resort in Sao Paulo.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source in the Sao Paulo prosecutor's office said the former president “is accused of hiding property in relation to the triplex in Guaruja.”

State prosecutors said they will provide more details regarding the case on Thursday.

A judge must still formally accept the charges for the case to proceed. Lula has denied any wrongdoing, saying the charges are politically motivated.

The charges come just days after Lula was taken into custody for questioning by police.

EA