Rui Pinto: The Hacker in Hiding Fears for His Life as Witness Protection Ends

Rui Pinto, the Portuguese hacker known for exposing Manchester City's financial dealings, is bracing himself for a risky new chapter. Having triggered a Premier League investigation, Pinto now finds himself on the verge of losing witness protection, raising grave concerns for his safety. In 2018, Pinto leaked a trove of confidential documents to Der Spiegel, revealing troubling details about the Premier League club's finances and potential breaches of financial fair play regulations. Fast forward to last week, and City was found guilty of all charges from 2009 to 2018, a ruling they have since appealed. Pinto entered Portugal's witness protection program in 2020 after agreeing to assist authorities with information gathered during his Football Leaks investigation. However, he announced on social media that his protection will end on October 10, putting him in what he describes as a “life-threatening situation.” At 37 years old, Pinto claims he has received multiple death threats, forcing him to seek refuge in a secret location for an indefinite period. He stated, “I have no choice but to relocate due to the serious risk of an assassination attempt.” The Commission for the Protection of Victims of Crimes in Portugal has been approached for comment regarding Pinto’s alarming situation. Although he identifies as a whistleblower, Pinto has faced legal troubles himself, including a conviction for illegal data access and attempted extortion, resulting in a suspended four-year sentence. During his first trial in 2020, he notably wore a bulletproof vest due to security concerns. Earlier this year, he was acquitted of numerous charges related to unauthorized access to email accounts of various Portuguese sports organizations, including Benfica. Recently, Pinto has shifted his focus to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, labeling him “a cancer on football” and insisting he should be excluded from the sport's future. He reiterated claims that Infantino intervened to assist Manchester City and PSG in avoiding sanctions from UEFA for financial misconduct. Infantino’s credibility has faced scrutiny amid controversial plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors. In a statement, Pinto’s legal team highlighted that the withdrawal from the witness protection program places him at increased risk, especially with ongoing legal matters related to the leaks, including the case against Manchester City. To survive this precarious situation, Pinto has launched a fundraising campaign, asserting that the predicament he faces was caused by the Portuguese State.