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Former Brazilian President Lula Is Facing Money Laundering Charges

Former Brazilian President Lula Is Facing Money Laundering Charges

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Brazil's former President Lula da Silva leaves a meeting with senators of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party in Brasilia — Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva leaves a meeting with senators of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) in Brasilia, Brazil March 9, 2016.Adriano Machado—Reuters

March 9, 2016 9:42 PM EST

Charges are being filed against former Brazilian President Lula da Silva amid a massive corruption investigation in the country, the BBC reports.

Lula and his wife are among sixteen people facing allegations of money laundering as part of a larger inquiry into the state oil company Petrobras. In the former President’s case, the case concerns a waterfront penthouse he purportedly bought at a high-class resort.

Lula vigorously denies that he has ever owned the apartment and says that the charges are part of a plot to politically discredit him. Civilians and political figures alike have also spoken out against the charges against the popular former leader.

[BBC]

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