Brazil election faces Lula son and Bolsonaro film probes

Brazil's election campaign is opening under separate investigations linked to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's son and a film about former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Police are investigating allegations of influence-peddling involving Lula's eldest son, Fabio Luis, known as Lulinha. The Supreme Court has authorized three investigations into him, and the case files are sealed.

Local media reported that police are examining whether Fabio Luis used government contacts to help associates secure contracts or advance their interests. His defense team says he is innocent and claims he is the victim of electoral interests.

Police are also investigating the financing of "Dark Horse," an unreleased film about Jair Bolsonaro. The investigation focuses on Daniel Vorcaro, the former owner of Banco Master, who is in prison. Banco Master was liquidated after collapsing under debts of more than $7 billion.

Intercept Brasil reported in May that an audio recording captured Flavio Bolsonaro asking Vorcaro for money to complete the film, and said Vorcaro contributed nearly $12 million to the project. Flavio Bolsonaro initially said he had no connection to Vorcaro, then acknowledged asking him for funds for the film while saying they had no close personal relationship.

Lula said this week that he believed his son, but promised not to seek the closure of the proceedings and said his son would pay the price if found guilty.