The Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho has found himself in hot water after failing to appear at a parliamentary hearing regarding his alleged involvement in crypto pyramids. The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies’ Financial Pyramids Committee had summoned Ronaldinho on Thursday, August 24, but he failed to show up. This has raised concerns among lawmakers, who have warned that he could face jail time if he refuses to attend another hearing later this month. The commission’s president, Aureo Ribeiro MP, stated that if Ronaldinho does not comply, a court could issue a special warrant to forcefully bring him to the chamber.
Lawmakers are particularly interested in Ronaldinho’s connection to the companies 18kRonaldinho and LBLV. It is believed that these companies lured investors into using a scam platform by promising high returns on their investments. The platform encouraged crypto holders to invest a minimum of $30 worth of cryptocurrency, guaranteeing them daily gains of 2% or more. The initial purpose of the company was supposedly to engage in watch and jewelry trading, but officials suspect that Ronaldinho’s role may have been more than just ambassadorial.
Did Ronaldinho Give Permission to Use His Name and Image?
The lawmakers are eager to uncover whether Ronaldinho gave the company explicit permission to use his name and image in their advertising materials. During the hearing, Ronaldinho’s brother, Roberto de Assis Moreira, attended and provided some insight into the matter. He claimed that Ronaldinho has been collaborating with the investigations into the two companies and had already provided clarification to the nation’s Public Ministry. However, the MPs were not satisfied with this response. They insist that Ronaldinho should appear in person to make a statement before the committee.
The controversy surrounding 18kRonaldinho emerged after disgruntled investors lodged a complaint against the company. These investors claim to have collectively lost $61 million, and they have initiated a civil lawsuit to recover their losses. On the other hand, Ronaldinho’s lawyers argue that he was also a victim and had never given the company permission to use his name or image. Despite this claim, the lawmakers are determined to investigate further and hold Ronaldinho accountable for any potential involvement in the alleged scam.
Ronaldinho’s case is not the first instance of Brazilian footballers becoming entangled in the world of cryptocurrency. In recent years, there have been mixed results when professional footballers have ventured into this realm. In 2020, several unnamed players were rumored to have invested in a $769 million “crypto pyramid.” Similarly, earlier this year, two footballers took legal action after falling victim to an alleged “crypto scam,” which they had invested in based on the advice of another player’s company.
Ronaldinho’s failure to attend the parliamentary hearing regarding his alleged involvement in crypto pyramids has sparked controversy and potential legal consequences. Lawmakers are determined to uncover the truth surrounding Ronaldinho’s connection to 18kRonaldinho and LBLV, as well as whether he granted permission for the use of his name and image. The ongoing civil lawsuit filed by disgruntled investors adds further weight to the seriousness of the situation. As the investigations continue, Ronaldinho’s reputation may face significant scrutiny, potentially impacting his legacy as a football icon.