Who is Roberta Luchsinger, lobbyist turned target of a clash between Lula and Flávio
Businesswoman close to Lulinha is under investigation by the Federal Police and announced intention to make a plea bargain
Roberta Luchsinger was one of the names cited in the debate between presidential candidates Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), on Sunday night (18). Investigated by the Federal Police and close to Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, Lulinha, the businesswoman gained prominence after making accusations against the president and affirming that she intends to collaborate with the Justice.
During the meeting, Flavio questioned Lula about the relationship with Roberta and asked for explanations about statements given by her in an interview the day before. The president replied that the issues involving the businesswoman should be dealt with by the Federal Police.
Path includes candidacy and support for Lula
Natural of Miraí, Minas Gerais, Roberta Luchsinger is 41 years old and worked in the furniture and decoration sector before working with contacts and business intermediation in Brasilia.
It gained public projection in 2017, when it tried to donate R$ 500,000 in luxury goods to Lula, an initiative that was barred by the Justice. In the following year, she joined the PT and contested a state deputy seat in São Paulo. She received about 14,000 votes, but was not elected.
What is under investigation
Roberta and Lulinha are investigated in three investigations in the Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), which investigate suspected corruption and trafficking in influence in federal bodies. The businesswoman also appears in the calculations of Operation Without Discount, related to frauds in benefits of the INSS.
One of the points investigated is his connection with Antônio Carlos Camilo Antunes, known as “Careca do INSS”. In testimony, Roberta confirmed that she presented Antunes to Lulinha, but denied participation in illicit business.
Police reports also analyze messages about the entrepreneur’s performance in the search for business with the government. In a document released in August, the PF pointed out that the dialogues indicated a possible authorization for it to act on behalf of Lulinha. The defense of the president's son maintained that the two maintained a friendly relationship.
Statements provoke reaction in campaign
In the interview given before the debate, Roberta accused Lula of lying about his relationship with her and said that Lulinha participated in meetings with ministers. He also announced his intention to enter into an award-winning delation agreement. The announcement alone does not confirm the formalization of an agreement.
Lula denied involvement with the businesswoman and questioned the timing of the statements, made on the eve of the second round. The alleged partnership between Roberta and Lulinha, raised in the investigations, is denied by those involved.
Read also: Lula or Flávio Bolsonaro? Who did best in the first debate among the candidates?
During the debate, the president stated that the son will testify and will not hide. Roberta reacted on video on social networks, again contesting Lula and said she was collaborating with the justice system. The charges remain subject to investigation and do not represent proof of guilt of the investigators.
