I agree with Theoretical, there's a lot of dishonesty going on here. Even if you are not alarmed by the actual situation, you need to consider that this relationship is being based on dishonesty. You actually have no idea who this guy really is (his character) or what he has done. I realize that this is your first boyfriend but you are overlooking some serious red flags here. And plenty of men know how to turn on the charm and affection in the beginning....that can change in time.

I worry for your safety and well-being. He told you he had a "dark past." Coming from a man who needs armed men to protect him, I would assume dark truly means dark. As in, you would probably be disturbed if you knew the facts.

I would not recommend investigating further. I think you need to cut ties for your safety. Also keep in mind that those men aren't being paid to protect you. Regardless of what they may say, they are being paid by someone else to protect him. It seems like you may be caught up in the attention and drama of it all right now. That is dangerous.