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Boris Becker in the dock for tax evasion
Munich, Oct 23: Retired tennis star Boris Becker went on trial today on tax evasion charges, looking relaxed and posing for photographers as he arrived in court.
Munich, Oct 23: Retired tennis star Boris Becker went
on trial today on tax evasion charges, looking relaxed and
posing for photographers as he arrived in court.
Prosecutors allege that the three-time Wimbledon winner evaded more than US$1.5 million in tax. At issue are taxes on Becker's income from 1991 to 1993, when he claimed to live in Monte Carlo, a tax haven. Investigators say he actually lived in his sister's house in Munich most of that period, making him liable for tax in Germany. Under German tax laws, Becker could face up to five years in prison if convicted at the Munich State Court.
However, Becker is expected to escape without a jail term - although some reports say he could plead guilty and get slapped with two years probation.
His rocky retirement after he quit the game in 1999 continues to make headlines in Germany.
Becker, 34, has undergone a public and messy divorce from wife Barbara, fathered a child out of wedlock with a Russian model and seen a string of businesses fail.
Becker's tax problems began when police raided his Munich villa in 1996, carrying away boxes of evidence. Some reports indicate officials began with charges that Becker evaded US$28 million.
Since then, Becker's lawyers have whittled down the amount or it has been reduced due to lack of evidence.
The court has scheduled a three-day trial, ending Friday.
Bureau Report
Prosecutors allege that the three-time Wimbledon winner evaded more than US$1.5 million in tax. At issue are taxes on Becker's income from 1991 to 1993, when he claimed to live in Monte Carlo, a tax haven. Investigators say he actually lived in his sister's house in Munich most of that period, making him liable for tax in Germany. Under German tax laws, Becker could face up to five years in prison if convicted at the Munich State Court.
However, Becker is expected to escape without a jail term - although some reports say he could plead guilty and get slapped with two years probation.
His rocky retirement after he quit the game in 1999 continues to make headlines in Germany.
Becker, 34, has undergone a public and messy divorce from wife Barbara, fathered a child out of wedlock with a Russian model and seen a string of businesses fail.
Becker's tax problems began when police raided his Munich villa in 1996, carrying away boxes of evidence. Some reports indicate officials began with charges that Becker evaded US$28 million.
Since then, Becker's lawyers have whittled down the amount or it has been reduced due to lack of evidence.
The court has scheduled a three-day trial, ending Friday.
Bureau Report