Marcelo Checon secures R$ 63 million in Brazilian government contracts

Businessman Marcelo Checon, an associate of Fábio Luís Lula da Silva (known as Lulinha), has secured 13 contracts with the Brazilian federal government totaling approximately R$ 63.4 million over the last three years. His company, MChecon Design e Cenografia, provides event and scenography services to the Palácio do Planalto and several ministries, including Finance, Education, Culture, Labor, and Tourism.

Before the current administration took office in January 2023, Checon held only one federal contract valued at R$ 197,000. Following a competitive bidding process for the Ministry of Culture in 2023, the company subsequently secured direct contracts with other ministries without new bidding processes. While the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) validated the initial bidding process despite challenges from a competitor regarding potential financial losses, the rapid increase in contract volume has drawn scrutiny.

Federal Police investigations are examining the relationship between Lulinha, lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger, and businessman Fernando Bittar, regarding allegations of mediating private interests with the federal government. The investigation also involves Marco Aurélio Santana Ribeiro, a former chief of staff at the Presidency, who allegedly facilitated access to the Palácio do Planalto. Lulinha’s legal defense has denied any illicit conduct, stating the friendship is public and suggesting the leaks are politically motivated.