In a follow-up to last week's CPMI approval and STF authorization, Senate President Davi Alcolumbre rejected a PT appeal on March 3, upholding the bank and fiscal secrecy break for Fábio Luís Lula da Silva (Lulinha), son of President Lula. New details emerge of a Portugal trip paid by imprisoned lobbyist Careca do INSS, alongside bribery suspicions, though Lulinha denies involvement.
Building on the February 26 CPMI approval of secrecy breaks for Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, known as Lulinha, and prior STF authorization by Minister André Mendonça, Senate President Davi Alcolumbre denied a PT appeal on March 3, 2026, solidifying the probe into Lulinha's potential ties to INSS frauds.
Recent revelations show Lulinha acknowledged a 2024 trip to Portugal with Antônio Carlos Camilo Antunes (Careca do INSS), who covered expenses to visit a medicinal cannabis factory. Careca is imprisoned for facilitating pension frauds diverting retirees' funds. A former employee, Edson Claro, alleged to Federal Police that Lulinha ('filho do rapaz') received R$300,000 monthly bribes totaling R$25 million; seized phones refer to him as 'nosso amigo' with deposit indications. In 2023, Careca founded World Cannabis to supply cannabidiol medicines to the Health Ministry, suspected of laundering.
Lulinha's defense rejects any INSS scheme involvement: 'I have no relation to the INSS scheme, only learned of Antonio Camilo Antunes' involvement after press exposure, was not his partner, provided no services to him, and received no values.' He and associate Roberta Luchsinger are appealing to the STF. President Lula commented: 'if any son of mine is involved in this, he will be investigated.' The scandal nears the Lula family, with brother Frei Chico as Sindnapi vice-president.
The CPMI, led by Carlos Vianna, continues until March 26 (possible extension), with analysts noting electoral risks for 2026 amid Lulinha's 'radioactive' profile.
