BRAZILIAN government investigators alleged on Wednesday that former left-wing president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was the “commander” of the bribery scandal at state oil firm Petrobras.

Mr da Silva was “the maximum commander of the corruption scheme identified as Car Wash,” investigating task force head Deltan Dallagnol claimed.

The former president’s lawyer Cristiano Zanin Martins hit back at Mr Dallagnol, saying: “His political behaviour is incompatible with the role of a federal prosecutor.”

“The harsh wording shows that the evidence might not be that great,” said Cezar Britto, former head of the Brazilian Bar Association. “It looks as if the prosecutors are looking for the support of society instead of looking for more evidence.”

Deposed president Dilma Rousseff said: “Once again a grave injustice has been committed,” adding: “Now the target is ex-president Lula.

“It’s evident that this allegation helps the objectives of those who intend to impede his candidature in 2018.”