# Brazil influence peddling investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-influence-peddling-investigation
> Updated: 2026-08-18T20:13:41.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

An investigation by the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) into lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger has expanded into allegations of systemic corruption within the presidential cabinet.

Initial reports identified that Luchsinger visited at least six offices in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies since December 2022, including the office of Health Minister Alexandre Padilha. The STF is investigating Luchsinger for potential influence peddling involving Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, the son of President Lula, following a breach of her mobile phone data.

Subsequently, Deputy Alfredo Gaspar alleged that these influence-peddling activities extend into the Palácio do Planalto. Gaspar claimed that reports made to the Federal Police involve businessman Antonio Carlos Camilo Antunes and suggest that former presidential chief of staff Marco Aurélio Santana Ribeiro and former Ministry of Health executive secretary Swedenberger Barbosa acted as conduits. The deputy alleged that these activities, involving Luchsinger and Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, have targeted government contracts totaling R$ 80 million since March.

Recent reports reiterate Deputy Gaspar’s allegations, specifically noting that connections between Fábio Luís Lula da Silva and certain business figures have facilitated access to the Ministry of Health. These claims are part of broader Federal Police investigations into alleged corruption and influence peddling involving the Ministry of Health.

## Claims

- In the Federal District, Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro are in a technical tie for the first round of presidential voting. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Federal Police are investigating Fábio Luís Lula da Silva for alleged influence peddling and corruption. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- In the Federal District, Lula holds 36% of the votes and Flávio Bolsonaro holds 35% in the first round. (single source)
- In a potential second round in the Federal District, Flávio Bolsonaro leads with 44% against Lula's 39%. (single source)
- Senate Police intelligence identified over 2,000 instances of threats and incitement to violence against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro since June. (single source)
- Security for Flávio Bolsonaro has been increased, including tripling the security team and implementing 24-hour monitoring. (single source)
- Deputy Alfredo Gaspar alleged that the presidential cabinet is involved in corruption involving influence peddling. (single source)
- In Paraná, Flávio Bolsonaro leads with 44% of the intention to vote, while Lula has 31%. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Brazil presidential race faces security threats and corruption allegations

Brazil's presidential race faces heightened tension as Flávio Bolsonaro increases security following 2,000+ threats, while corruption allegations target the presidential cabinet and President Lula's son.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-deputy-alleges-corruption-within-presidential-cabinet

### 2026-08-13: Lobbyist under STF investigation visited Brazilian government offices

Lobbyist Roberta Luchsinger, under STF investigation for potential influence peddling, visited multiple Brazilian government offices and deputies since 2022, according to official records.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lobbyist-under-stf-investigation-visited-brazilian-government-offices

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Cite as: Brazil influence peddling investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazil-influence-peddling-investigation