The ex-head of Formula 1, who supported Putin, was accused of millions of frauds

MOSCOW, Jul 11 The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) indicted the former president «Formula 1» Bernie Ecclestone in alleged fraud following an investigation by the UK Revenue and Customs (HMRC), reports the Daily Mail. According to the publication, Ecclestone allegedly provided false information to the tax office after he «failed to declare assets in the amount 472 million euros (400 million pounds sterling) located abroad». According to HMRC, the breaches came to light following a «complex worldwide criminal investigation.» The CPS reviewed the HMRC evidence dossier and sanctioned a fraud charge against Bernard Ecclestone for failing to inform HMRC of the existence of assets held for border, which are believed to amount to more than 400 million pounds,” said Chief Crown Prosecutor Andrew Penhale.Earlier, Ecclestone called Vladimir Putin a first-class person for whom he is ready to “grab a bullet”, and also criticized the policies of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Following these comments, Formula 1 released a statement emphasizing that Ecclestone's words «are his personal opinion and stand in stark contrast to the current values ​​of the sport.» Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton called for Ecclestone to be censored. A week later, 91-year-old Ecclestone was forced to make excuses for his earlier words in support of Russia and Putin, noting that he said it without thinking. He also called on Russia and Ukraine to sit down at the negotiating table and conclude an agreement.