Published 13:49 IST, March 20th 2020

Ronaldinho jail update: Brazilian star struggles as key witness fails to turn up in court

Brazil legend Ronaldinho jail struggle continues as one of the key witnesses in fake passport case failed to appear in court. He was arrested in Paraguay.

Reported by: Minaam Ansari
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

Brazil legend Ronaldinho’s jail struggle continues as one of key witnesses in fake passport case failed to appear in court. former midfielder has been lodged in a high profile prison in Paraguay for past two weeks. former Barcelona man’s efforts to secure a bail has reaped result until w.

Also Read | Ronaldinho offers to pay €1.4 million as Brazil legend struggles to survive jail ordeal

Advertisement

Ronaldinho jail update: Key witness fails to appear in court

Ronaldinho was arrested on March 5 by Paraguayan authorities for possessing a fake passport while entering country. Since n, former midfielder’s repeated attempts to get rid of prison term has failed to materialise. According to SPORT magazine, Dalia Lopez, who is thought to a key witness in case, failed to turn up in court.

Ronaldinho jail update: Brazilians do t require a passport to visit Paraguay

Dalia Lopez has contacts with several politicians in Brazil and Paraguay. She is also deemed to be a fugitive. However, investigators are unsure of extent of Ronaldinho’s involvement in money laundering scheme. report also claims that Ronaldinho and his bror could face punishment up to a maximum five-year jail term if proven guilty. According to law, Brazilians do t require a passport to visit South American country.

Advertisement

Also Read | Lionel Messi denies helping Ronaldinho get out of Paraguayan prison

Ronaldinho jail update: Ex-midfielder's house-arrest plea declined

Ronaldinho had earlier appealed for a house arrest. However, Paraguayan judge turned down plea as he could t ascertain if investigation could be carried on properly, fearing that Brazilian might flee country. judge cited Brazil’s -expedition rule as one of reasons for denying his house arrest plea.

Advertisement

Also Read | Ronaldinho invites more trouble, could face 5 years in jail over money laundering charges

Ronaldinho jail update: Brazilian's bail plea declined

Later, it was also reported that Ronaldinho had offered to pay an astonishing €1.4 million for his house arrest plea. However, this amount was deemed way less than Brazilian’s financial capacity.

Advertisement

Ronaldinho jail update: Lionel Messi denies helping Ronaldinho

Several reports had also surfaced claiming that his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi was willing to help Brazilian by offering a hefty amount to Paraguayan authorities. However, Argentine later denied such reports.

Also Read | Ronaldinho plays Futsal in Paraguay prison yard with inmates: Watch video

Advertisement

 

13:00 IST, March 20th 2020