Former tennis star Boris Becker could potentially face jail time after he was found guilty of moving thousands of dollars from a bank account after declaring bankruptcy. A jury of London’s Southwark Crown Court ended up convicting Becker of four charges under the Insolvency Act, which, according to the Associated Press, includes removing property, concealing debt, and two other charges of failing to disclose his estate.
The money was allegedly transferred from his business account to other various accounts, including those that went to his ex-wife, Barbara, and his estranged wife, Sharlely “Lilly” Becker. If convicted, the charges carry a maximum of a seven-year prison sentence. Becker was granted bail until his hearing sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for April 29.
Becker was additionally convicted of falling to disclose one of his properties in Germany and hid a 825,000 euro ($895,000) bank loan. His bankruptcy originated from a 4.6 million euro ($5 million) loan from a bank in 2013 in addition to $1.6 million that he borrowed from a British businessman in 2014, according to testimony during his trial.
The six-time Grand Slam champion stated that his $50 million in career earnings had gone to payments for an “expensive divorce,” and other various debts. Becker also stated that he had “expensive lifestyle commitments,” including a house in Wimbledon that cost 22,000 pounds ($28,800) in monthly rent.
Throughout his career, Becker won three Wimbledon Championships, two Australian Opens and one US Open.
