Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, known as Lulinha and son of President Lula, informed STF Justice André Mendonça via his lawyer that he will return to Brazil to testify in the ongoing Operation Sem Desconto inquiry into INSS discount irregularities. Living in Spain since 2024, Lulinha's offer eliminates any risk of preventive arrest, his defense says.
In a development in the Operation Sem Desconto probe—launched by Federal Police and CGU into a scheme diverting R$ 6.3 billion via unauthorized INSS discounts from 2019-2024—businessman Fábio Luís Lula da Silva (Lulinha), son of President Lula, has signaled cooperation.
Lulinha's lawyer, Marco Aurélio de Carvalho, delivered the message during a hearing with STF Justice André Mendonça last week. Lulinha, who has resided in Spain since 2024 (before any alleged ties to key figure Antonio Carlos Camilo Antunes, 'Careca do INSS'), affirmed his readiness to return and testify.
The Federal Police had internally considered preventive arrest due to his abroad residence but opted only to lift his banking, fiscal, and telematic secrecy seals. The defense states the review found no involvement by Lulinha, and his prior trip to Portugal with Antunes was for a medical cannabidiol project.
'We did this spontaneously to clear all doubts. We trust Justice Mendonça's handling,' Carvalho said. On March 16, 2026, the defense petitioned the STF with further explanations. Mendonça has yet to schedule testimony or confirm its need.
