Sunday, May 3, 2026
Law

Former F1 Group CEO Bernie Ecclestone Charged with Fraud

  • Bernie Ecclestone allegedly hid $477 million in assets from the British tax service.
  • The first hearing will be on Aug. 22.
Franz Pammer/GEPA via USA TODAY Sports

Bernie Ecclestone, the former CEO of Formula One Group, has been accused of fraud.

The Crown Prosecution Service has charged Ecclestone with one count of “fraud by false representation” for allegedly hiding $477 million in assets overseas.

The charge comes after a “complex and worldwide criminal investigation,” Simon York, the Director at the Fraud Investigation Service of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, reportedly said.

The first hearing for the court will take place on Aug. 22.

Ecclestone, 91, spent more than 40 years running F1 and contributing to building it into the empire it is today. 

But off the track, he’s a controversial figure. The billionaire is also known for making remarks about Adolf Hitler and praising Vladimir Putin after he sent Russian forces to invade Ukraine (for which he later apologized).

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Max Verstappen’s Future Looms Over F1’s Return to Miami

F1 returns after a monthlong hiatus due to two canceled races.

F1’s New Era Hits Reset in Miami: How Will Teams Adjust to Rules?

Drivers have been unhappy about F1’s new regulations.

Verstappen’s F1 Future in Doubt, Says Slow Start Isn’t the Reason

Verstappen is 28, but is already in his 12th year in F1.

Featured Today

Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.

Puma Denies Its Carbon-Plated Shoes Cause Injuries After Lawsuit

The company pushed back on claims that its shoes increased injury risk.
April 28, 2026

Star Runner Says ‘Defective’ Puma Shoes Ruined Her Career

A series of foot surgeries prematurely ended her career.
April 28, 2026

Damon Jones Admits He Sold LeBron Injury Information to Gamblers

Jones also pleaded guilty Tuesday in the rigged poker case.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
April 27, 2026

Prosecutors to Bring Bribery Charges Against Terry Rozier

Rozier allegedly “solicited and accepted a bribe.”
Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) drives around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) in the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
April 24, 2026

Suns Beat Ex-Employee’s Racial Bias, Security Lawsuit

“There was no settlement and there will be no payment to Mr. Traylor.”
April 23, 2026

Convicted Fraudster At Center of Clippers Case Cooperated With NBA

Joseph Sanberg is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday. 
April 17, 2026

Ex-Alabama Player Used NFL Disguises in $20M Fraud, Feds Say

Prosecutors say Luther Davis posed as three NFL players.