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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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13:00 IST, March 20th 2020