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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- After months of investigations, the Brazilian Federal Police concluded that former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is not the owner of a luxury apartment in Guaruja, Sao Paulo state.
The Brazilian authorities have investigated whether the owners of the apartments in this particular building were using frontmen to hide assets, and former President Lula was suspected of taking part in the operation. Lula's defense said he thought about buying the apartment, but backed off from the deal later.
The actual owner of the apartment, Nelci Warken, was indicted for money laundering, fraud and identity theft. Neither Lula nor any of his relatives were indicted in the case.
Lula is also accused of being the actual owner of a ranch in Sao Paulo state. The former president said he is merely a frequent guest at the property of an old friend.
