Jail time beckons for bankrupt Boris Becker
Boris Becker is to appear in court to face criminal charges relating to claims he failed to co-operate fully with the authorities regarding his bankruptcy.
The 52-year-old former tennis star was made bankrupt in 2017 shortly before it emerged he was splitting from his wife, Lilly, 44.
It emerged last year that his bankruptcy restrictions had been extended by 12 years after authorities claimed he had hidden assets and transactions worth about £4.5m (R100m).
Now, Becker, who lives in southwest London, is facing more than 10 charges brought by the Insolvency Service.
An Insolvency Service spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a prosecution has been brought against Boris Becker.
“The first hearing is on September 24 at Westminster magistrate’s court.”
Although the details of the charges have not been revealed, it is believed they relate to allegations he failed to cooperate fully with the official receivers before and after he was declared bankrupt.
It is understood Becker could get the maximum of seven years in jail.
The three-time Wimbledon winner is living under bankruptcy restrictions until 2031, which require him to disclose assets, as well as inform lenders of his insolvency if he attempts to borrow more than £500 (R11,150).
Becker was crowned Wimbledon’s youngest champion in 1985 when he was just 17.
Becker, who now works as a tennis commentator, was estimated to have made nearly £50m (R1.1bn) in championship prize money and endorsements over the subsequent 15 years.
At one point, his net worth was thought to have been just shy of £100m (R2bn).
However, he ended up £54m (R1.3bn) in debt as his lavish lifestyle, bad business deals and failed relationships took their financial toll.
He was made bankrupt in June 2017 after failing to pay £3.3m (R73m) to Arbuthnot Latham, a private banking firm.