Former Formula 1 boss Bernard “Bernie” Ecclestone was arrested on Wednesday night (25) for illegally carrying a firearm at Viracopos International Airport, in Campinas (SP).
The 32-caliber pistol was detected by airport officials by the x-ray machine. Ecclestone did not have the documentation of the weaponry and was arrested in the act.
During the testimony, Ecclestone’s wife, Brazilian Fabiana Ecclestone, translated her husband’s answers, according to the incident report.
The former F1 boss confirmed to the authorities of the 4th Deatur (Police Station Specialized in Tourist Assistance of the Civil Police) that he owned the gun and did not have his documents, but said he did not know how it ended up in his luggage.
Ecclestone reported having bought the gun from an F1 mechanic about five years ago with the aim of keeping it on a rural property in the interior of São Paulo. The pistol, branded LW Seecamp, had no magazine and no ammunition.
Ecclestone was released after posting bail of R$6,060 and will respond in freedom.
The businessman left the country on a private flight to Switzerland after being released, officials said.
Illegal possession of a weapon is a crime punishable by imprisonment of up to four years.
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