Boris Becker, one of tennis’ all-time legends as a six-time Grand Slam champion, has been found guilty of concealing assets and loans worth close to three million euros.
Becker transferred 463,000 euros from his account to other accounts, including to those of two of his ex-wives: Barbara Becker and Sharlely Becker.
He failed to declare his interest in a 1,187,400 euro property in his hometown of Leimen (Germany), as well as concealing a bank loan of almost 831,000 euros, valued at more than one million euros with interest.
As well, he concealed 75,000 shares in a technology company, valued at 78,000 euros.
The German’s goal was not to pay his debts, around 60 million euros. That is why he declared bankruptcy in 2017.
Admission on Friday
Now, the British justice system has sentenced him to prison for the next two and a half years. The first year and a half is non-negotiable, he entered on Friday, and he will be able to be released on parole from then.
Becker, 54, was found guilty of four charges by a jury in Southwark under the Insolvency Act. He was also acquitted on 20 counts.
The magistrate, Deborah Taylor, commented on the conviction that he had failed to learn the lessons of a similar trial in Germany in 2002.
“He has shown no remorse or acceptance of his guilt and has sought to distance himself from the offence and the bankruptcy,” Taylor said.
In 2002, the tennis player was sentenced in his home country to two years’ probation and ordered to pay half a million euros for tax evasion between 1991 and 1993.
A nod to Wimbledon
The German, who once coached Novak Djokovic, is now a television commentator.
Becker heard the verdict accompanied by his current partner, Lilia de Carvalho, and wearing a Wimbledon tie.
It is worth remembering that his fame as a professional racquetball player came at Wimbledon, where he won three titles, in 1985, 1986 and 1989.
