Brazil ’ s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva faces a new charge of money laundering as part of the investigations into the largest corruption scandal in Latin America .
The former president , known as Lula , is accused of accepting 4 million reais ( 759, 000 dollars ) worth of bribes disguised as donations , according to a Monday statement from prosecutors in the Brazilian state of Curitiba .
Prosecutors say four transfers were made to the “ Instituto Lula” from construction giant Odebrecht between 2013 and 2014 .
Lula’ s defense rejected the charge as an attempt to criminalize four legitimate donations .
This is the fourth charge Lula has faced in the so - called “ Lava Jato” or “ Car Wash ” corruption investigations.
After a previous conviction , he was jailed, but allowed to leave prison early in November .
Lula’ s conviction and imprisonment prevented him from contesting the October 2018 presidential election and paved the way for the victory of right - winger Jair Bolsonaro, who appointed Lava Jato case judge Sergio Moro his justice minister.
A working - class president , Lula oversaw strong economic growth and falling inequality during his 2003 - 2011 rule .
His social policies earned him soaring popularity ratings , even as concern grew about corruption in his government .
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