Leandro Prazeres

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court authorized a third investigation into Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, known as Lulinha, within less than a week. The inquiries examine alleged illicit business links involving federal agencies, possible leaks of confidential investigative data, and suspected influence peddling connected to the Ministry of Health, Dataprev and lobbyist Antônio Carlos Camilo Antunes, who is accused of involvement in fraud against INSS beneficiaries. Lulinha's defense denies any wrongdoing and alleges selective leaks and political motives. The article traces earlier investigations into his business dealings with Gamecorp and Telemar/Oi, both of which were eventually closed, and reviews allegations raised by a rejected congressional inquiry into INSS fraud. Experts say the investigations could provide opposition forces with a politically useful way to target President Lula, though their impact on his 2026 reelection prospects remains uncertain.

A court in Luanda sentenced Russians Igor Ratchin and Lev Lakshtanov to prison for espionage, terrorism, and related charges tied to an alleged Russian-linked influence operation. Angolan defendants Amor Carlos Tomé and Francisco Oliveira faced similar accusations, with Tomé receiving a suspended sentence and Oliveira acquitted. Prosecutors said the operation aimed to sway Angola’s 2025 presidential election and spread anti‑government narratives, though the defendants denied involvement and claimed cultural or academic motives. The trial featured disputes over the indictment’s validity and missing testimony, and an appeal was immediately filed following the verdict.

A sharp rise in auto‑exclusion requests from Brazilian bettors occurred during the 2026 World Cup, with daily averages increasing nearly sixfold according to federal data. Officials attribute the surge to widespread betting advertising, growing awareness of gambling risks, and expanded promotion of the exclusion platform. Advocacy groups warn that the spike reflects both compulsive gambling concerns and preventive actions by new or vulnerable users. Betting industry associations argue the numbers also reflect increased visibility of the tool rather than worsening addiction. Experts expect further impacts after the tournament, as compulsive gamblers often seek help only after significant losses. The government and local authorities have introduced stricter rules for betting advertisements, while support groups anticipate growing demand in the coming months.

Brazil’s Federal Police requested Interpol’s support through a Silver Notice to identify international assets linked to Daniel Vorcaro amid a broad investigation into alleged corruption and financial crimes involving Banco Master. Authorities suspect he distributed substantial wealth across multiple countries, complicating efforts to recover assets tied to the bank’s multibillion‑real collapse. U.S. courts have also authorized searches for properties and investments connected to Vorcaro. The investigation has expanded to include his relationships with political figures and accusations of financial benefits or attempted influence, all of which are denied by those involved. Vorcaro remains in custody, and determining the scope of his assets remains central to the probe.

The United States confirmed a 25 percent tariff on a wide range of Brazilian exports following a Section 301 investigation alleging unfair trade practices related to Pix, regulatory issues, and market access. The Brazilian government condemned the measure, vowed to apply its Reciprocity Law, and plans to take the case to the WTO. Data indicate Brazil is the country most affected by tariff increases since Donald Trump returned to office. The move heightened political tensions ahead of Brazil’s election, with Lula’s government accusing members of the Bolsonaro family of influencing US authorities, while Flávio Bolsonaro denies responsibility and criticizes Lula. The dispute also exposes differing interpretations of Pix’s role, broader trade negotiations, and the economic consequences of escalating tariffs.

The United States expressed concern over Brazil’s decision to expel Sergey Cherkasov and allow his possible return to Russia, arguing the move undermines joint efforts against foreign interference. Cherkasov, identified by US and Brazilian authorities as a Russian intelligence operative using a Brazilian identity, remains imprisoned in Brasília until completing his sentence or receiving judicial authorization. His case triggered competing extradition requests from Russia and the US, each presenting conflicting accounts of his identity and activities. Brazil ultimately upheld Russia’s request, following previous court authorization and the resolution of pending legal issues. Investigations have revealed a broader network of alleged Russian agents using Brazilian identities, with Cherkasov’s case central to exposing the scheme.

Brazil’s largest online betting companies launched hundreds of ads on Meta platforms during the 2026 World Cup without disclosing financial or demographic data, preventing independent verification of whether minors were targeted and limiting oversight of their impact. Regulatory bodies, health experts and consumer organizations warned that the lack of transparency hampers monitoring of risks linked to gambling exposure, particularly during major events. Meta’s system allows demographic and spending data disclosure, but betting companies did not opt in. The Ministry of Finance and other agencies monitored advertising activity amid rising concerns about gambling-related harm. Industry associations defended their practices, while some broadcasters, including CazéTV, faced scrutiny for allegedly irregular betting promotions. Calls intensified for stricter regulations and public health warnings on betting advertisements.

Brazil authorized the expulsion of Sergey Cherkasov, identified by Brazilian and US authorities as a Russian intelligence agent who used a false Brazilian identity. The measure will take effect only after he completes his prison sentence or upon judicial approval. Russia has sought his extradition since 2022, while US authorities accuse him of acting as an undercover GRU operative infiltrating institutions abroad. Brazilian investigations found no evidence of espionage within Brazil. The case, involving competing requests and diplomatic pressure from Russia and the United States, now awaits a final decision from the Supreme Federal Court.

Brazil’s industry and trade minister Márcio Elias Rosa accuses Flávio Bolsonaro and other Bolsonaro allies of contributing to US investigations that may lead to new tariffs on Brazilian products under Section 301. As negotiations near their deadline, Rosa argues Flávio’s planned trip to Washington is an attempt to avoid electoral blame for a potential tariff increase. The minister maintains that the US investigation lacks foundation, acknowledges that an agreement is unlikely, and says the government is preparing measures to mitigate economic impacts, including market diversification support and the Brasil Soberano program. Rosa also criticizes political and ideological interference in US–Brazil trade relations and notes that final decisions rest with President Trump.

Brazil’s Federal Police launched Operation Exchange targeting a money-laundering scheme linked to international drug trafficking, with fugitive Victor Shimada and Stella Stefanie among those facing arrest warrants. Both were sanctioned by the US government for allegedly facilitating financial operations for the PCC, accusations not corroborated by Brazilian investigators. The investigation outlines large cryptocurrency-based transfers, high-value banking operations and rapid financial ascension, with US authorities blocking assets and prohibiting transactions involving the sanctioned individuals. Differences emerge between Brazilian and US assessments of possible ties to criminal factions, while broader US measures labeling PCC and CV as terrorist groups raise wider implications.