Becker denies string of criminal charges over 2017 bankruptcy
TENNIS champion Boris Becker has denied a string of criminal charges over his bankruptcy as he was told he could face seven years in jail.
The 52- year- old German former star, who was declared bankrupt in June 2017, is accused of not complying with obligations to disclose information.
Becker, who was smartly dressed in a suit and red tie, stood in the dock at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court and spoke in a clear loud voice as he confirmed his personal details.
He pleaded not guilty to 19 charges of failing to disclose money and property between May 2017 and June 2017.
Becker denied seven counts which alleged that as a bankrupt he concealed property from his receiver or trustee and pleaded not guilty to a charge that he concealed a debt.
He also denied two counts of
removing property which was required to be delivered to the receiver.
In addition, Becker pleaded not guilty to a charge that he failed to disclose the disposal of property and four charges alleging he did not disclose the details of his estate.
He also denied a charge that he concealed debt and four counts of omission about state of affairs relating to bank accounts with JP Morgan in Belgium and Julius Baer bank in Guernsey.
It is alleged that he hid his stake of shares in artificial intelligence firm Breaking Data Corp and did not mention bank accounts in Belgium and Guernsey to bankruptcy proceedings.
He allegedly had a flat in Coleherne Court, Chelsea, which went undeclared along with two other German properties.
Becker, who lives in London, is being prosecuted by the Insolvency Service.
Bankruptcy issues were considered at hearings in the High Court in London.
Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot conditionally bailed Becker to next appear at London’s Southwark Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on October 22.