Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula 1 chief executive, was taken into custody at Tires Aerodrome in Cascais following a routine airport inspection, Portuguese police reported, alleging he was in possession of a shotgun without the required paperwork.
According to Correio da Manhã, the incident transpired when Ecclestone’s private jet touched down outside Lisbon. Airport Division officers of the PSP led an examination of his luggage, claiming the gun was unregistered and denied him immediate release.
Ecclestone later confirmed the weapon had been transported from Switzerland for a clay‑pigeon shoot in Portugal. “I had a gun—overseas for a hobby—I didn’t bring the paperwork,” he told the Daily Mail Sport. He added that the authorities almost detained him, but “after what seemed like hours, we sorted it out.”
Context of the Misunderstanding
During the customs clearance process, Ecclestone clarified that the firearm was stored at his Portuguese residence and was licensed for his own use. He claimed he regularly “clears customs” and that the officers’ request for a “blue book” – the mandatory document for gun possession – was an unexpected demand.
The former F1 governor maintained that he and his wife, Fabiana Flosi, are prepared to surrender the weapon or settle any related taxes at the Lisbon authorities. “I said I would go too, but I didn’t then,” Ecclestone remarked, adding he was waiting for the matter to be resolved.
Previous Police Interaction
This arrest is not the first instance of police scrutiny for Ecclestone. In 2022, a Brazilian security team detained him at Campinas airport in São Paulo after discovering an unloaded Seecamp .32‑calibre pistol in his luggage. He later described the event as a minor misunderstanding, noting he had forgotten the gun in his bag and posted bail.
Contrary to his denial, the São Paulo public security office confirmed a businessman – which the Portuguese media identified as Ecclestone – was arrested for firearm possession. The former F1 chief, 95, avoided any formal charges in that case.
Implications for Licensing and Travel
Portugal’s stringent firearms regulations require travelers to carry a “blue book” and complete a formal declaration form when importing weapons across borders. Even though Ecclestone expressed that he usually does not travel with documents, the authorities’ insistence on the blue book led to his temporary detention.
Experts note that private jets and short‑haul flights across EU borders can trigger the same security checks, especially when a passenger is carrying a firearm. Ongoing investigations will determine whether a formal charge, a fine, or a further legal proceeding follows.
Looking Ahead
With Ecclestone’s name resurfacing in media reports, the former Formula 1 executive joins a growing list of high‑profile individuals facing regulatory scrutiny over firearm possession. As the investigation unfolds, observers will monitor whether the Portuguese authorities issue a formal citation or opt for interim resolution, as reported by his spokesperson.
Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images
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