Brazil freezes accounts of ex-President Lula da Silva in graft case

The same judge had sentenced Silva to 9½ years in prison in connection with a sprawling graft probe involving Petrobras.

A Brazilian judge says bank accounts belonging to ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have been frozen due to his conviction on corruption charges.

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva prepares to speak to the press and supporters at the headquarters of the Worker's Party, in Sao Paulo, Brazil on July 13, 2017. (AP File Photo)

The office of federal judge Sergio Moro said Wednesday that the frozen assets amount to over 600,000 Brazilian reals ($190,000) in four accounts.

Moro is the same judge who sentenced Silva to 9½ years in prison in connection with a sprawling graft probe involving state-run oil giant Petrobras. Moro also blocked Lula from using three apartments, a piece of land and two cars linked to the former president.

Silva denies any wrongdoing and will remain free until his appeal is decided.

A spokesman for Silva confirmed the assets were blocked by Brazil’s central bank, but did not comment further.