South America

Former Brazilian President Taken Into Custody For Questioning

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was taken into custody for questioning about a scandal involving Petrobras oil company.

Former Brazilian President Taken Into Custody For Questioning
Getty Images
SMS

Brazil's former president was questioned by police Friday as part of an investigation into a scheme in a government-affiliated oil company.

Oil giant Petrobras brought in a hefty sum to Brazil's economy, but alleged corruption involving overcharging contracts and bribes is thought to have eventually caused the company to lose about $2 billion.

Former Brazilian leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faces questions about the scandal. He's accused of using the money to pay for bribes and political campaigns.

On Thursday, Lula's previous institute said, "Lula never participated, directly or indirectly, in any illegal act during or after his government."

Lula has faced multiple charges for allegedly profiting from government construction contracts.

But Friday's questioning just means he was taken into custody, not arrested or charged.

This video includes clips from BBCInstituto Lula and TeleSur and images from Getty Images.