Boris Becker was found guilty of his bankruptcy and could be jailed

Boris Becker could be jailed after being found guilty Friday of illegally transferring several thousand dollars from a bank account after filing bankruptcy. A jury at Southwark Crown Court in London convicted Becker of four counts under the Insolvency Act, including theft of assets, concealment of debts and two counts of failure to disclose assets.

The Teutonic champion was found to have transferred hundreds of thousands of pounds (dollars) after his bankruptcy in June 2017 from his business account to other accounts, including the accounts of his ex-wife Barbara and his estranged wife Sharlely “Lilly” Becker. He was also convicted of not declaring property in Germany and hiding 825,000 euros ($ 895,000) in bank debt and shares in a technology company.

He was acquitted of 20 other charges, including not giving away his numerous awards, including two Wimbledon trophies and an Olympic gold medal. The six-time Grand Slam champion has denied all lawsuits, saying he has worked with administrators charged with securing his assets-including offering his wedding ring-and act on the advice of experts.

Becker’s bankruptcy stemmed from a 4.6 million euro ($ 5 million) debt from a private bank in 2013, as well as approximately $ 1.6 million lent by a British businessman the following year, according to trial testimony.

During the trial, Becker, 54, said the $ 50 million he earned in his career went to an “expensive divorce” and debt. He said he had “expensive living commitments” including a Wimbledon house worth £ 22,000 ($ 28,800) rented per month. And he claimed that bad publicity had damaged the “Becker brand”, making it difficult for him to earn enough to pay off his debts.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. Becker was granted bail pending a sentencing hearing on April 29.