Portuguese hacker on trial for revelations

LISBON: A Portuguese hacker, whose explosive financial revelations about European soccer embarrassed star players, clubs and influential agents, went on trial in Lisbon yesterday.

Rui Pinto, 31, was extradited last year from Hungary where he had lived since 2015 after his exposes on the “Football Leaks” website.

He faces 90 charges relating to hacking computers.

There was heavy security at the court. Pinto, who has claimed his life was in danger, sat alone in the court facing three black-robed judges.

“I’m a whistleblower. I published a lot of information that’s in the public interest,” Pinto said in an opening statement after the charges were read to him.

A verdict is not expected for months.