Ronaldinho Denies $61million Crypto Scam Claims

Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho defended himself in a Congress meeting on August 31. He is accused of being part of a big crypto scam that used his name.

This scam, called “18kRonaldinho”, promised people big daily returns if they invested in cryptocurrency. A lawsuit wants to get back $61 million lost in the scam.

Ronaldinho says he did not work with this company. They used his name and picture without asking him. Pictures of Ronaldinho used in the scam's advertisements were shown. Ronaldinho said these pictures were from another contract with a company called “18K Watches”. This contract was not about cryptocurrency and ended in October 2019.

The head of the inquiry, Aureo Ribeiro, asked Ronaldinho if he will give back money to the investors. Ronaldinho didn't answer. He also didn't talk about the $61 million lawsuit.

Before this meeting, Ronaldinho missed two other Congress meetings. He said bad weather stopped him from going. If he missed this last meeting, he might have been fined or arrested.

This inquiry began in June. It is looking into 11 companies that promised big returns with cryptocurrency. Ronaldinho's part in the scam is a big topic, and what he said in Congress will be important for the investigation.

Other soccer players in Brazil have also lost money in crypto scams. Scarpa, Mayke, and Willian Bigode said they lost money to a company named Xland. This company promised them good returns every month. Scarpa and Mayke went to the police last year after they won a title with their soccer team. Reports say Scarpa put about $1.2 million in the scam and Mayke put in around $762,000.