Renowned former footballer Ronaldinho Gaúcho has made headlines amidst reports of his absence from a pivotal court hearing concerning allegations surrounding his company's alleged involvement in a crypto scam.
The prosecutor had declared, “After the breakup, the former player was involved in a pyramid and his image, given his credibility and popularity, encouraged thousands of people to invest in a fraud, which caused damage to them.”
The iconic figure who once adorned the ranks of Paris Saint-Germain, F.C. Barcelona, and AC Milan encountered a notable absence from a congressional hearing on 24 August, citing adverse weather conditions. This marked his second disregard of a subpoena, accentuating the intrigue surrounding his engagement with the legal process. Pertinent to note is the parliamentary context, as Ronaldinho, accompanied by his brother Assis and business associate Marcelo Lara, was slated to provide testimony before the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry.
The focal point of the ongoing investigation orbits around Ronaldinho's enterprise, '18kRonaldinho'. Allegedly, the company enticingly pledged clients daily returns exceeding 2% by means of cryptocurrency investments. Emerging amidst this context is a lawsuit that demands in excess of $61 million in reparations, citing the company's failure to fulfill the promised returns. Within the broader landscape, this litigation has now converged with a comprehensive probe into the realm of crypto-related frauds within the nation.
The purported assurance of substantial daily returns has seemingly captured the scrutiny of regulatory bodies, “The company claimed to work with cryptocurrency trading and arbitration and promised its clients income of up to 2% per day, allegedly based on operations with digital currencies, which raised suspicions that it was a financial pyramid due to promises of high and fast payment returns.”
What is Ronaldinho’s Legal Team’s Defense?
Interestingly, Ronaldinho's legal counsel has embarked on a distinctive narrative, contending that he held the role of a mere 'ambassador' for the company. By extension, they assert that he was unwittingly ensnared as another victim of the purported swindle. The crux of their argument hinges on the misuse of his image and name, purportedly wielded without proper authorisation to deceive potential clients.
What are the Repercussions?
Emerging reports hint at the possibility of Ronaldinho being escorted to court in handcuffs to secure his participation. Intriguingly, these developments underline the principle that even his stature as a globally recognised figure may not bestow any preferential treatment within the confines of the judicial process.
Congressman Aureo Ribeiro has illuminated the situation, revealing that Ronaldinho has been granted a renewed opportunity to provide testimony on 31 August. Should Ronaldinho once again opt not to materialise, the prospect of law enforcement authorities escorting him before the committee gains traction.
Underpinning this situation is a foundational principle: Witnesses legally summoned to testify before Congress bear an unequivocal obligation to comply. This tenet, deeply ingrained within Brazil's legal framework, has far-reaching implications. Delving deeper, the ramifications of non-compliance unfold: individuals who disregard a subpoena could face financial penalties, and furthermore, the potential for police intervention, physically bringing the individual before the congressional body.
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