SAO PAULO, Aug 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - As elections approach in Brazil, separate investigations are looming over the campaigns of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his rival Flavio Bolsonaro, in a country still traumatized by massive corruption scandals of the past.

Police are investigating allegations of influence-peddling involving Lula's eldest son, nicknamed "Lulinha."

They are also investigating the financing of a film about Bolsonaro's father, former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year sentence for an attempted coup.

Both candidates have faced legal troubles in the past.

Lula, 80, spent over a year and a half in prison between 2018 and 2019 on corruption charges linked to "Operation Car Wash," the biggest scandal in Brazilian history.

His conviction was later overturned after the presiding judge was found to be biased.

And Flavio Bolsonaro, as a Rio de Janeiro legislator, was accused of involvement in a kickback scheme in which he allegedly took a portion of his aides' salaries. The case was later dropped.

Here are details of current investigations into the two candidates:

- 'Dark Horse' -

Police are probing the financing of "Dark Horse," a film about Jair Bolsonaro, after allegations that it received funding from a banker accused of orchestrating a massive fraud scheme.

The film, which has yet to be released and stars American actor Jim Caviezel ("The Passion of the Christ"), portrays the former president in a highly favorable light.

The investigation focuses on Daniel Vorcaro, the former owner of Banco Master, who is currently in prison.

The bank was liquidated after collapsing under debts of more than $7 billion.

In May, investigative news outlet Intercept Brasil published an audio recording of Flavio Bolsonaro asking Vorcaro for money to complete the film.

The report said Vorcaro contributed nearly $12 million to the project.

After initially claiming he had no connection to the banker, Bolsonaro admitted he had asked Vorcaro for funds for "Dark Horse."

He maintained, however, that they had "no close personal relationship."

- The president's son -

The Supreme Court has authorized three influence-peddling investigations targeting one of Lula's five sons, Fabio Luis -- known as "Lulinha".

The case files are sealed.

Local media report that police are probing whether the 51-year-old businessman used his contacts in the government to help associates secure contracts or advance their interests.

The case has reportedly drawn in Lula's former chief of staff, who received a loan from a businesswoman being investigated alongside Fabio Luis.

His defense team maintains his innocence, claiming he is a victim of "electoral interests."

"I believe him," Lula said in an interview this week.

"No one will ask for the proceedings regarding my son to be closed," he promised, vowing that if his son "is guilty, he will pay the price."