Boris Becker: I didn’t hide nearly £ 2m from the Insolvency Service
TENNIS legend Boris Becker was told he faces seven years in prison yesterday if found guilty of hiding assets from the Insolvency Service.
The German star, 52, appeared in court to deny a raft of charges over claims he hid the full extent of his wealth.
Becker was declared bankrupt in June 2017, and last year faced claims that he failed to fully declare his estate to the Official Receiver by hiding millions in cash, properties and shares as well as bank accounts.
The High Court has imposed restrictions on his finances for the next 11 years, after the Insolvency Service raised concerns over “undisclosed” transactions.
He has indicated a not guilty plea to concealing £ 1.8million, as well as two properties in Germany and a Chelsea flat, which he was required to deliver up to the trustee to the estate.
Westminster magistrates’ court also heard he hid shares in an artificial intelligence firm.
Becker, who now lives in Battersea, south London, faces a maximum of seven years in prison if he is found guilty of the charges.
Prosecuted by the Insolvency Service, he has been charged with 10 counts of concealing property from the bankruptcy receiver or trustee, two charges of failing to disclose property, three counts of failing to disclose details of an estate, concealing a debt, and three charges of omission in a statement of affairs by a bankruptcy.
He was denied unconditional bail and was instead told that he must sacrifice his passport and inform the Insolvency Service two days before he makes any international trip for the purposes of work.
Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot said: “I am struck about the dishonesty being alleged, not just once or twice but spread over a number of months.
“That gives me grave reservations about a man, even a man of good character.
“I am suggesting GPS tracking, in a wide area of London. He’s a German national and Germany does not extradite its nationals.
“If he was to go to Germany, the entire case would have to be moved there which would cause great inconvenience.”
Becker spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address, his indicated pleas and to say he wished for the matter to be sent to the Crown Court.
The chief magistrate said: “You’ve elected trial in the Crown Court and will go there on October 22.
“If you do not attend at all there will be a warrant for your arrest.” Becker became an international superstar after winning Wimbledon as a 17- year- old in 1985. He secured millions in prize money during a trophy- laden career.
His Grand Slam singles haul included three Wimbledons, two Australian Opens and one US Open.
He also won five year- end championships, 13 Masters Series titles and an Olympic gold medal in doubles.
Since retiring, he has become a well- known tennis commentator on TV.
But in recent years he has made headlines for his various financial difficulties.
Last year, he auctioned off a watch given to him by current superstar Novak Djokovic.