By VIVIAN SEQUERA, Associated Press Writer

(AP) BRASILIA, Brazil - Brazil police have formally accused a brother of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of influence peddling after a nationwide crackdown on illegal gambling, the government news agency said Tuesday.

{mosgoogle left} Genival Inacio da Silva's home in the San Bernardo do Campo suburb was searched by authorities Monday as part of a federal police operation that arrested 77 people on charges of smuggling electronic gambling machines and bribing police in {tag Mato Grosso do Sul} state.

Police did not say what was seized in {tag Silva}'s brother's home or elaborate on the motives for the accusation, the official {tag Agencia Brasil} said.

A police officer, who would not identify himself because of departmental regulations, said police had requested a temporary arrest order for Silva's brother but a judge turned it down.

A formal accusation is a step in the Brazilian legal process before prosecutors file charges with a judge, who then must determine if the evidence merits {tag indictment} for trial.