Brazil’s Soccer Prodigy in Legal Crosshairs
Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho Gaúcho’s failure to appear before a congressional hearing into an alleged cryptocurrency scam has put him on a possible collision course with the law.
Congressional No-Show Sparks Concern
Scheduled to testify on Aug. 24, Ronaldinho cited adverse weather as his reason for absence, marking the second time he’s ignored a subpoena. Congressman Aureo Ribeiro declared that the star would get another chance to speak on Aug. 31, warning that missing this would likely result in the police bringing him in forcibly.
Legal Mandates and the Weight of the Law
In Brazil, those subpoenaed before Congress are obligated by law to attend. Any failure can lead to substantial fines and forced appearances, escorted by law enforcement.
’18kRonaldinho’: The Center of the Storm
Ronaldinho’s business venture, ’18kRonaldinho’, is at the heart of this probe. With promises of daily 2% returns on crypto investments, it’s under scrutiny after allegedly failing to deliver. Legal actions against it have been launched, aiming to recoup over $61 million.
Ambassador or Accomplice?
The soccer star’s legal team is in defensive mode, asserting that Ronaldinho was merely an ‘ambassador’. They claim he too was misled, and that his brand was unlawfully exploited to lure investors. The venture’s 2021 NFT collection, in partnership with INFLUXO, adds another layer to Ronaldinho’s cryptocurrency endeavors.
A History with the Law
It’s not Ronaldinho’s first brush with legal trouble. In 2020, both he and his brother Roberto de Assis were detained in Paraguay over counterfeit passports, leading to a 170-day incarceration. Roberto is also tangled in the current crypto investigation.
A Troubling Pattern for the Soccer Legend
As the allegations mount and the web of the investigation widens, Ronaldinho finds himself in increasingly murky waters. The events surrounding his company and his previous legal battles raise questions about the star’s off-pitch decisions. While the soccer legend has dazzled fans with his on-field prowess, his ventures outside the stadium are proving to be a complex challenge. As Brazil and the world watch closely, the coming weeks promise to be pivotal in shaping the legacy of Ronaldinho Gaúcho. Only time will reveal if he remains an idol in the eyes of his admirers or becomes a cautionary tale in the intersection of celebrity and cryptocurrency.
