Rui Pinto’s leaks prompt investigations

Rui Pinto’s leaks of private documents prompted Uefa and then the Premier League to investigate Manchester City’s financial affairs.

Pinto advised not to return home

Less than two hours later, Portuguese authorities confirmed Pinto would no longer be protected as a witness.

Pinto’s protected status ends abruptly

Pinto has been advised not to return home, contact family members or visit crowded places.

Pinto’s whistleblower background

Pinto has been a protected witness since 2020 after he agreed to grant Portuguese authorities access to millions of files acquired before his arrest in Budapest.

Pinto’s legal history

He was given a suspended four-year sentence in September 2023 after being found guilty on counts of attempted extortion, illegal access to data and breach of correspondence.

Pinto’s defense of actions

Pinto said to Der Spiegel in 2019: 'I told myself: If I allow them to buy me out now, I am no better than this whole business.'

“I told myself: 'If I allow them to buy me out now, I am no better than this whole business.'”

Pinto’s safety concerns

Pinto is understood to fear for his safety after a bounty was reportedly placed on his head following Football Leaks and Luanda Leaks revelations.

Pinto’s legal battles

Pinto was acquitted in a second trial of 241 counts of illegally accessing email accounts belonging to Portuguese sports bodies and law firms.

Pinto’s current status

Pinto has been living in a safe house under protection and has never disclosed his location, and it is understood he has received no visitors.