Rui Pinto Faces Court Silence as Benfica Brands Him a 'Thief' in High-Stakes Trial

Rui Pinto's Court Appearance

Rui Pinto, the mastermind behind Football Leaks, returned to court this Monday, opting to remain silent as he awaits the proceedings of his case. His defense team is embroiled in a heated battle with Benfica, which accuses him of being nothing more than a "thief."

Accusations from Benfica

Benfica's lawyer, Rui Patrício, stated, "The defendant's motives were not for investigation or justice. His cooperation with the judicial system only began once he was caught." The club claims Pinto acted out of personal gain, dismissing his narrative as that of a 'good Samaritan'.

Defense Counterattacks

In contrast, Pinto's attorney, Francisco Teixeira da Mota, directed his criticism at Benfica, referring to the stolen emails from the club that were made public. He argued, "Benfica is a national institution that must be scrutinized. They have a strategy to exert power and influence in Portuguese society and have even corrupted a judicial employee."

Charges Against Rui Pinto

Pinto is on trial for 242 crimes, including illegal access to emails from Benfica, FC Porto, and other clubs, as well as state entities and judicial officials. The charges include 201 counts of qualified illegal access, 23 counts of aggravated violation of correspondence, and 18 counts of computer damage. Notably, he was previously sentenced to four years in prison, suspended, for similar offenses.

Ongoing Legal Battles

Pinto's defense argues that facing multiple trials for the same crimes reflects a personal vendetta by the Public Ministry. They also highlight the challenges Pinto faces in reintegrating into society due to the prolonged judicial conflicts.

Since 2020, Pinto has been a protected witness, collaborating with various authorities on investigations stemming from the information he collected. The extensive documents he possesses, stored on encrypted hard drives, are part of the bargaining chip for his release from prison and entry into a personal protection program.