The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said on Monday it had “approved a charge of fraud against Bernard Charles Ecclestone for fraud by false representation, following [HM Revenue and Customs] investigation”. The investigation was dubbed Operation Gallic by the authorities. Ecclestone, 91, ran Formula One, the world’s most lucrative motorsport tournament, almost single-handedly for 40 years until it was taken over by Liberty Media in 2017. During his time overseeing the sport, Ecclestone amassed a huge fortune, estimated at £2.5 billion in May by the Sunday Times. The first hearing in the tax case is scheduled for August 22 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Andrew Penhale, the Crown Attorney General, said: “The CPS examined a file of evidence from HMRC and approved a charge against Bernard Ecclestone for fraud by false representation in relation to his failure to declare to HMRC the existence of assets abroad. worth over £400 million. “The Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that they are entitled to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there is no reporting, commenting or sharing of information on the Internet that could in any way prejudice these proceedings.” Subscribe to the Business Today daily email or follow Guardian Business on Twitter @BusinessDesk Ecclestone is married to Brazilian-born Fabiana Ecclestone, who is vice-president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), a motorsport governing body, and a member of the World Motor Sport Council. Simon York, director of HMRC’s fraud investigation service, said the tax authority was conducting a “complex and global criminal investigation”. “HMRC is on the side of honest taxpayers and we will take tough action wherever we suspect tax fraud,” said Yorke. “Our message is clear – no one is beyond us.”
