Rui Pinto, the hacker involved in the Football Leaks scandal, has been charged with 377 offences by Portuguese prosecutors. The charges stem from his unauthorized access to computer systems belonging to football teams, journalists, judges, and magistrates.
Furthermore, one notable target was the lawyer of football star Cristiano Ronaldo, from whom Pinto obtained information about rape allegations against the player. The indictment, made public by local media, outlines a range of charges including unlawful access, violation of correspondence, aggravated violation of correspondence, and computer damage.
At the same time, Pinto is accused of illegally accessing the email of Ronaldo’s lawyer and sharing information about the rape allegation with German magazine Der Spiegel. Pinto’s hacking activities extended beyond football-related entities.
He also accessed emails from Benfica, Rio Ave, Leixoes, Moreirense, Vitoria de Guimaraes, and other organizations, including journalists, judges, prosecutors, and the Tax Authority. His actions have generated debate, with some considering him a whistleblower and others viewing him solely as a hacker.
As the case proceeds, prosecutors have summoned over 100 individuals, including Cristiano Ronaldo, to testify. Pinto is currently awaiting sentencing in another trial related to the Football Leaks case, where he faces charges of computer crimes and extortion. The verdict for that trial is set to be announced on July 13.
