Cristiano Ronaldo’s twin bodyguards are allegedly being investigated in Portugal for unlawfully working for the superstar.
Sergio and Jorge Ramalheiro, brothers who formerly served in an elite special forces unit in Afghanistan, are on unpaid leave from the Portuguese police to provide private protection for the Manchester United striker.
According to Observador, it is unlawful for them to work in Portugal while on leave without permission from the police.
According to sources, the men may stand prosecution for providing unlicensed close protection and will face disciplinary processes when they return to the Public Security Police unit.
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, but there is no suggestion Ronaldo is suspected of any wrongdoing.
A force spokesman said: ‘We do not comment on cases under investigation.’
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.’
Discussion about this post