Ronaldo’s twin bodyguards under probe in Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo’s twin bodyguards are being investigated in Portugal for working illegally for the superstar, local reports say.
Brothers Sergio and Jorge Ramalheiro, who previously served in an elite special forces unit in Afghanistan, are on unpaid leave from the Portuguese police while they carry out private security for the Manchester United striker.
But it is illegal to work in Portugal during their period of leave without permission from the force, according to Observador.
The pair could even go on trial for providing unauthorised close protection and will face disciplinary proceedings when they return to the Public Security Police force, reports say.
They were placed under investigation after they were seen on two occasions working for Ronaldo in Lisbon while on their leave.
An insider told The Mirror that carrying out private security without a police licence can result in a jail term of up to five years.
People who hire unlicensed bodyguards can also face prosecution in Portugal.
A force spokesman said: ‘We do not comment on cases under investigation.’
There is no suggestion Ronaldo is suspected of any wrongdoing.
The footballer, 36, who returned to United in August, was seen guarded by the brothers in September shortly after they were hired as he prepared to jet to Switzerland with the squad for a Champions League tie.
One of the twins was also spotted last month at a birthday party organised by Ronaldo’s pregnant girlfriend Georgia Rodriguez for their daughter Alana Martina, four, in Madrid.
The Ramalheiro brothers previously worked for a Portuguese police close protection unit protecting judges and politicians.
Portuguese celeb magazine Flash said the twins, part of a set of triplets, had been hired by Cristiano after they requested to go on leave from the police to pursue other interests.
The third brother, named as Alexandre, is still understood to be working as a police officer.
An insider told local media: ‘Sergio and Jorge dress elegantly and look very normal.
‘They are capable of mixing with the crowd but they are quick to think, see and act at the right moment.’
Cristiano’s security team accompanied him to Manchester Airport for the start of his team’s Champions League campaign against Swiss team Young Boys.
The stylish pair, whose identities had not been made public at the time, helped the forward with his luggage after dropping him off for the flight.
Reports at the time said the Portuguese international and his family would receive round-the-clock protection following his return to Old Trafford.
The star – who recently announced girlfriend Georgina was pregnant with twins – was said to have taken steps to ramp up his security after being warned he was set to become a ‘magnet’ for criminal gangs
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In the past, Cristiano has been protected by a former MMA fighter and an ex-elite paratrooper. Ronaldo who already has five Ballon d’Or title in the kitty failed in his bid to claim a sixth one this year losing to arch rival Lionel Messi who has now won a record seven times.