Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
POLICE PROBE INTO RONALDO MINDERS
Bodyguards investigated in Portugal
EXCLUSIVE CRISTIANO Ronaldo’s bodyguards are under investigation on suspicion of working illegally in Portugal, according to local reports.
The twins, Sergio and Jorge Ramalheiro, former elite soldiers currently on unpaid leave from the police, are at the centre of a probe over allegations they provided unauthorised close protection services.
They could go on trial for performing private security functions without police permission. And they reportedly face disciplinary proceedings when they return to Portugal’s Public Security Police force.
Asked about the probe, a PSP spokesman told the Mirror: “We do not comment on cases under investigation.”
Last week we revealed that the Man United striker’s minders served with the Portuguese army in Afghanistan.
Their former lieutenant colonel described them as “very strong mentally
and physically”. They were part of a PSP close protection unit tasked with guarding politicians and judges before becoming responsible for the safety of Ronaldo, 36, his four children and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez, 27.
Last month Ronaldo and Georgina announced they were expecting twins.
Reports in Portugal say the guards were placed under investigation after twice being seen working for Ronaldo in Lisbon. The PSP is believed to have drafted two reports for the investigative arm of Portugal’s prosecutor’s office.
An insider said people working in private security without police licensing in Portugal could be jailed for between one to five years.
Anyone who knowingly hires unlicensed bodyguards can also leave themselves open to prosecution in Portugal. There is no suggestion that Ronaldo is suspected of any wrongdoing. His representatives were contacted by the Mirror.