LONDON, UK — Jurors in Boris Becker’s London trial retired on Wednesday to deliberate on the verdict against the former German tennis star, who was charged with fraudulent bankruptcy.
Boris Becker, six-time winner of Grand Slam tournaments, is on trial for 24 charges relating to his bankruptcy, linked to a loan of 3.5 million euros from a private bank, Arbuthnot Latham. He faces up to seven years in prison.
Declared in personal bankruptcy in June 2017 in London, “Boom Boom” Becker, 54, is accused of not having respected his obligations to disclose information, in particular banking, which he disputes.
He is criticized in particular for not having given his creditors nine trophies and medals from his illustrious record on the professional circuit.
The former world number 1 said during the trial started on March 21 that he still had in his possession “many” of the awards and memories amassed in 15 years on the circuit, but some have disappeared.
He assured the court in Southwark, London, that he would return his trophies if he knew where they were.
Among the nine accolades creditors would have liked to get their hands on are two of his three Wimbledon cups, two Australian Open trophies and his gold medal at the 1992 Olympics.
Boris Becker had won his first Grand Slam on the lawn of Wimbledon in 1985, at only 17 years old. He had previously auctioned off some of his awards for 700,000 pounds to pay off some of his debts.
He is also accused of not having declared two properties in Germany, as well as interests in a London apartment and of having hidden a loan of 825,000 euros.
At the time of his bankruptcy, the debts of the player, who won 49 titles in 16 years of sports career, were estimated at up to 50 million pounds. He disputes all the offenses with which he is charged.
