State prosecutors in Brazil are seeking the arrest of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on charges of money laundering and identity fraud for concealing ownership of a beachfront apartment, local media reported on Thursday.
Sao Paulo state prosecutors declined to comment on possible arrests in a news conference regarding the charges earlier in the day, and court officials declined to comment on the news.
Newspapers O Globo and O Estado de S. Paulo reported the filing for Lula’s arrest citing court papers. Such a motion would have to be approved by a judge, who is unlikely to do so, according to the head of the ruling Workers’ Party.
Arresting the former president would raise the stakes dramatically in a crisis that has rattled his successor, President Dilma Rousseff, and may further polarize protests called for Sunday by the opposition to demand her impeachment.
Brazil Energy Insight 
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