Brazil prosecutor requests formal probe of Lula

Sao Paulo: Prosecutors in Brazil have asked that powerful ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was questioned this week in a huge corruption probe, be placed under formal investigation.

The press service of the Sao Paulo state prosecutors office yesterday said precise details of the request were not yet known and that a news conference would be held today.

Brazilian media reported that prosecutors want Lula probed for alleged money laundering and hiding assets in connection with a posh seaside home. Lula has said he does not own it.