The Federal Police (PF) in Brazil have opened a new investigation into influence peddling and corruption targeting a former close aide of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the president’s son, Fábio Luís Lula da Silva, known as "Lulinha," injecting major political risk into the run-up to the 2026 presidential election. The probe centers on Marco Aurélio Santana Ribeiro, known as Marcola, who served as Lula’s Chief of Staff until his sudden departure in August 2026, and involves allegations that Marcola and Lulinha leveraged their proximity to the presidency to benefit a prominent lobbyist in exchange for payments and gifts. The case is being overseen by the Supreme Federal Court (STF), which has authorized the investigation into the conduct of the former aide and the president’s son.