Brazil's Former President Lula Da Silva Faces Corruption Charges

Brazil's prosecutors pressed charges against the country's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his wife over the alleged involvement in a high-profile corruption scandal at the state-run oil company Petrobras, media reported on Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Lula da Silva could be arrested for owning a luxurious apartment on the coast of Sao Paulo, which was built by company OAS implicated in the Petrobras bribery scandal, the BBC broadcaster said. The apartment is worth approximately $550,000, the media outlet added.

The former leader denies allegations and describes the case as politically motivated. A judge is expected to rule out a decision on his case in a few days.

A huge corruption scheme was uncovered Petrobras in 2014, as it was revealed businesses paid more than $2 billion in bribes to sign contracts with the oil company and obtain projects which later increased in cost. The scandal triggered a large-scale inquiry and discontent with impeached President Dilma Rousseff who headed the company in 2003-2010.

Lula da Silva served as the president of Brazil from 2003 to 2010.