Brazil’s former president Lula detained

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been detained for questioning on Friday in an anti-corruption and money laundering operation concerning state oil company Petrobras.

The former president’s house was raided by police agents and he was brought in for questioning.

Police said they had evidence that Lula received illicit benefits from the kick-back scheme at state oil firm Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) (PETR4.SA) in the form of payments and luxury real estate, Reuters reports.

“Ex-president Lula, besides being party leader, was the one ultimately responsible for the decision on who would be the directors at Petrobras and was one of the main beneficiaries of these crimes,” a police statement said.

“There is evidence that the crimes enriched him and financed electoral campaigns and the treasury of his political group.”

Rodrigo Janot will hold a press conference on the issue at 10:30 local time.