Lula begins new term with investigations involving his son and former aide

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was re-elected and begins a new term with several investigations still unresolved.

Three police inquiries concern his son, Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, known as Lulinha, amid suspicions of corruption and influence-peddling; his defence denies wrongdoing.

Investigators are also examining Lula’s former chief of staff, Marco Aurélio Santana Ribeiro, known as Marcola, over alleged links to a lobbyist investigated in cases involving fraud in Brazil’s social security system.

The lobbyist says she plans to seek a plea deal, which could bring new evidence or testimony into the investigations.

Lula has said he believes his son and Marcola are innocent, but that he did not interfere and supports investigating them.

The Banco Master investigation could add pressure on Lula’s government, as it involves politicians from different political camps, including some of his allies.

Further investigative steps, statements or documents could add to the cases, while the campaign also featured competing accusations about politicians’ ties to the bank’s former owner.