Ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone charged with fraud after HMRC probe into ‘£400m of overseas assets’

Ninety-one-year-old businessman accused of hiding offshore assets from government

Former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone will be charged with fraud by false representation over an alleged failure to declare £400m of overseas assets to the government.

The charge against the 91-year-old was authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on Monday following an investigation by Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Andrew Penhale, chief crown prosecutor, said: “The CPS has reviewed a file of evidence from HMRC and has authorised a charge against Bernard Ecclestone of fraud by false representation in respect of his failure to declare to HMRC the existence of assets held overseas believed to be worth in excess of £400m.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Simon York, director of HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, added: “We can confirm that a fraud by false representation charge has been authorised against Bernard Ecclestone.

“This follows a complex and worldwide criminal investigation by HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service.

“The criminal charge relates to projected tax liabilities arising from more than £400m of offshore assets which were concealed from HMRC.

“HMRC is on the side of honest taxpayers and we will take tough action wherever we suspect tax fraud. Our message is clear - no one is beyond our reach.

“We remind people to refrain from commentary or sharing of information that could prejudice proceedings in any way. This is now a matter for the courts and we will not be commenting further.”

The case will first be heard at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 22 August.

Mr Ecclestone was removed from his position as chief executive of Formula One in 2017 after almost 40 years in charge.

It came after US giant Liberty Media completed its £6.4bn takeover of the sport.

The billionaire was declared the 65th richest person in the UK in 2021.

Additional reporting by Press Association