In April 2022, German tennis legend Boris Becker was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for hiding millions of dollars worth of assets after declaring bankruptcy. The conviction and incarceration of the sports icon shocked fans worldwide. This article provides an in-depth look at the financial troubles and legal woes that landed Becker behind bars.
Boris Becker’s Background
Boris Becker became an overnight celebrity after winning Wimbledon in 1985 at just 17 years old. He went on to claim six major singles titles and an Olympic gold medal in a prestigious tennis career. After retirement in 1999, he worked as a coach and TV commentator.
Off the court, Becker led a lavish lifestyle funded by millions earned in endorsements, appearances, and business ventures. He owned multiple properties, married two times, and fathered four children. However, his expenditures began outpacing his income by the early 2000s.
Becker’s Mounting Money Problems
By the mid 2000s, Becker was in serious financial straights with debts totaling almost $60 million. His Spanish villa, German apartment buildings, and Swiss estate faced foreclosure. Tax issues dogged him in Germany, Spain, and Switzerland.
Becker took out massive loans from private banks but continued living extravagantly with no signs of curbing spending. Creditors eventually lost patience, leading Becker to declare bankruptcy in the UK in June 2017 to contain growing liabilities.
However, Becker would soon run afoul of bankruptcy regulations meant to protect creditors.
Becker’s Bankruptcy and Asset Concealment
Though bankruptcy offered temporary protection, Becker was required to fully disclose all assets so they could be sold to pay lenders. He was expected to enter an orderly bankruptcy process overseen by trustees. Instead, Becker actively hid millions in cash, shares, properties, and loans.
Specific acts that constituted contempt of court and bankruptcy fraud included:
- Transferring €427,000 to ex-wife Barbara Becker and estranged wife Sharlely “Lilly” Becker
- Hiding €825,000 loan from firm Carmignac Photovoltaic Holdings
- Failing to hand over trophies including Wimbledon, Australian Open, and Davis Cup wins
- Not disclosing ownership of German apartment valued at €1.2 million
- Removing funds from business account days before bankruptcy declared
Becker’s bankruptcy was extended to 12 years due to his lack of cooperation and suspected asset concealment. But his legal woes had only just begun.
The Criminal Charges and Trial
In June 2018, Becker was indicted on 22 charges related to concealing assets and transactions from bankruptcy trustees. Prosecutors alleged he hid or transferred cash and valuables that should have gone to creditors.
The charges included:
- 9 counts of not disclosing property
- 5 counts of concealing debt
- 3 counts of concealing shares
- 2 counts of theft of money transfers
- 1 count of concealing lender loan
- 1 count of concealing trophy
- 1 count of concealing bank account
Facing serious jail time, Becker pled not guilty and went to trial in September 2021. The proceedings dissected his finances and laid bare details of his lavish spending despite debts. After an expensive 3-week trial, the jury convicted him on 4 charges.
The Prison Sentence
In April 2022, Becker was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison and restrictions on future borrowing for his bankruptcy-related convictions. The judge rebuked him for believing he could get away with “hoodwinking” bankruptcy authorities.
While acquitted on 20 counts due to lack of evidence, the guilty verdicts included:
- Concealing €426,000 from sale of Mercedes car dealership
- Hiding €825,000 bank loan
- Withdrawing €390,000 from his business account
- Failing to declare ownership of a €1.2 million apartment
Becker had earlier been offered a suspended sentence in exchange for a guilty plea, which he declined. His gamble on a trial seeking full exoneration backfired.
The judge rejected pleas for a suspended sentence, saying only actual jail time would deter similar white-collar offending. Becker was taken straight to Wandsworth Prison after sentencing.
Life in Prison for Becker
Becker spent his first weeks in Wandsworth, a Victorian-era London prison known for violence, overcrowding, and poor conditions. He occupied a tiny cell inside the Category B facility that houses over 1,300 inmates.
As a high-profile prisoner, Becker reportedly received threats of violence and demands for money. He primarily associated only with white-collar offenders for safety. Perks like satellite TV were secured thanks to his notoriety.
After just two months, Becker was transferred to a lower security prison with better amenities. He can work menial jobs for £20 per week and access exercise equipment, a library, and classroom education.
With good behavior, Becker may be released on probation after serving just one year instead of his full 30-month term.
Conclusion
Boris Becker’s fall from being a tennis superstar to bankruptcy and prison is a cautionary tale of financial mismanagement. His sentence for hiding millions in assets serves as a stern warning that even celebrities cannot flout bankruptcy court orders. While Becker adjusts to incarceration, his future after release remains uncertain at just 55 years old. The legal saga will surely tarnish his athletic legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money did Becker owe at bankruptcy?
Becker owed nearly $60 million total spread across over a dozen banks, lenders, and creditors including Lloyds Bank and Arbuthnot Latham bank. His debts far exceeded his disclosed assets.
What were the largest assets he hid from bankruptcy trustees?
The biggest hidden assets were a €1.2 million German apartment, €825,000 bank loan from Carmignac Photovoltaic Holdings, and €426,000 from the Mercedes car dealership sale. He also concealed trophies, watches, and shares.
Did Becker express remorse or apologize for his actions?
Becker has not publicly apologized or shown remorse. In court, he pled not guilty and initially vowed to appeal the verdict and sentence. However, after transfer to a lower security prison, he dropped the appeal plans.
What was Boris Becker’s peak career earnings as a tennis player?
During his career from 1985 to 1999, Becker earned about $25 million in total from tournament prize money. However, endorsements and appearances multiplied his earnings to an estimated $100 million during his playing years.
Could Becker return to tennis after release from prison?
While banned from being a company director again, Becker could potentially return to tennis in some capacity after release. He may resume past roles like coaching or TV commentary, but his conviction harms his marketability. Full rehabilitation of his reputation is uncertain.