Brazil’s Supreme Court has authorised a police investigation into Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, the son of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, over allegations that he may have improperly assisted a businessman in gaining access to government officials. The probe was approved weeks before Brazil’s presidential election scheduled for October, as Lula prepares to seek a fourth non-consecutive term.

The inquiry focuses on suspicions that Fábio, commonly known as “Lulinha,” acted as an intermediary on behalf of lobbyist Antonio Carlos Camilo Antunes in matters related to potential government contracts involving medical cannabis. Federal police investigators requested the investigation last week to determine whether Lulinha engaged in influence peddling or corruption, including whether his activities extended into the presidency. Neither Lulinha’s nor Antunes’s legal representatives immediately provided comments.

Lulinha’s lawyer, Marco Aurélio de Carvalho, called the investigation a possible “fishing expedition,” asserting that the federal police are aware there is no evidence against his client and pledged to demonstrate that no irregularities occurred.

President Lula publicly expressed confidence in his son’s innocence but emphasized that the investigation would proceed without any special treatment. In a podcast interview, he stated that Lulinha would have to prove his innocence and face consequences if found guilty, just like anyone else.

The timing of the investigation is notable, coming as Lula begins his campaign for re-election. The 80-year-old leftist currently leads in polls against his main rival, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence for his role in plotting a military coup. Bolsonaro’s son has also faced police scrutiny over alleged links with a suspected bank fraud architect, though he denies wrongdoing.

The case highlights ongoing challenges for Lula, whose Workers’ Party has previously faced major corruption scandals during its earlier governance from 2003 to 2010. The former president himself was once imprisoned on corruption charges that were later overturned before his return to office in 2023.

The investigation into Lulinha underscores the broader context of political tension and legal scrutiny in Brazil as the country approaches a highly contested election.