The short version
- Portuguese authorities detained Bernie Ecclestone at Tires Aerodrome after finding an undocumented shotgun on his private jet.
- Ecclestone stated he intended to participate in a clay pigeon competition and was unaware of specific document requirements for the firearm.
- This incident marks another instance of legal scrutiny regarding firearms for the 95-year-old, following a similar arrest in Brazil in 2022.
Bernie Ecclestone, the former commercial chief of Formula One, was detained by Portuguese authorities on Monday after customs officials discovered an undocumented shotgun aboard his private aircraft. The incident occurred at Tires Aerodrome in Cascais shortly after the jet landed. Routine inspections of the plane and its passengers led to the discovery of the firearm, prompting police to stop Ecclestone for questioning regarding the lack of proper documentation for the weapon.
Under standard Portuguese procedure for such cases, the firearm was seized and Ecclestone was formally made a defendant in criminal proceedings. The specific outcome of these legal actions remains unknown at this time. Authorities indicated that the individual found carrying the weapon must surrender it and potentially pay duty if they wish to import it temporarily, a process Ecclestone agreed to undertake after initial discussions with customs officers.
Ecclestone has disputed the characterization of his actions as an attempt to illegally import a gun. He told PA Media that police were helpful and that he had declared nothing unusual at customs because he believed the firearm was for personal use related to a sporting event. He explained that he had recently learned of a clay pigeon shooting competition in Portugal through his wife, Fabiana Flosi, who had met someone returning from Brazil. Encouraged by her, Ecclestone decided to participate and brought a shotgun he already owned.
The former executive stated that he possesses firearms in Switzerland, which were imported through proper channels for clay pigeon shooting there. He claimed that when passing through customs, officers asked if he had anything to declare, and he responded that he only had usual personal items. After exiting the customs area, he was approached by police who requested information about the gun. Ecclestone noted that he did not unzip the case but identified the item as a shotgun intended for the competition.
A central point of contention involved the lack of a 'blue book,' which Ecclestone described as being like a passport for firearms. He stated he had never heard of such a document and was unaware it was required. When police asked for this documentation, he explained that he had purchased the gun in England and brought it into Switzerland through normal channels. Despite his assertions, officials maintained that anyone carrying such weapons must possess the appropriate paperwork.
This is not the first time Ecclestone has faced legal issues related to firearms while traveling internationally. In May 2022, he was arrested in Brazil for illegally possessing a gun while preparing to board a private plane bound for Switzerland. An X-ray scan of his luggage at Viracopos Airport in Campinas revealed an undeclared LW Seecamp .32-calibre pistol. At that time, Ecclestone admitted to owning the firearm but claimed he was unaware he was carrying it. He posted bail and was released to continue his journey.
The detention comes as Ecclestone continues to maintain a presence in Portugal, where he has significant personal interests. His wife, Fabiana Flosi, was recently linked to a major property purchase approximately 15 miles west of Lisbon. The transaction was reported to be the largest private house sale in Portugal, with a price tag around £35 million. This substantial investment underscores the couple's continued ties to the country despite Ecclestone's official departure from Formula One management.
Ecclestone’s involvement with Formula One spans decades, beginning in the 1950s as a driver and businessman before becoming a team owner and the primary negotiator of the championship’s television rights. He was widely credited with transforming the sport into a global commercial phenomenon through strategic partnerships and sponsorships. Although his official role ended in 2017 when Liberty Media acquired the commercial rights, he remains an influential figure in the racing world.
The current situation highlights the strict regulations surrounding firearm transport across international borders, even for high-profile individuals. While Ecclestone maintains that his intentions were benign and related to a sporting event, the absence of required documentation led to immediate legal consequences. The case will likely proceed through Portuguese judicial channels, with the final determination depending on how authorities interpret the intent and procedural errors involved in the transport of the weapon.
Observers note that such incidents draw significant media attention due to Ecclestone’s historical prominence in motorsport. However, the legal process itself is standard for customs violations involving firearms. The focus now shifts to the judicial outcome and whether any penalties will be imposed beyond the seizure of the weapon. Ecclestone has not commented further on the potential long-term implications of this detention for his personal or public life.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Bernie Ecclestone questioned after shotgun found on his private jet in Portugal
