Ecclestone stopped by police for taking shotgun into Portugal
Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was questioned by Portuguese police after arriving at an airport with an undeclared shotgun. Ecclestone denied being arrested, stating he was attempting to participate in a clay pigeon shooting competition without the proper import documentation.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the legal complexities and international scrutiny surrounding the transport of firearms by high-profile public figures.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Bernie Ecclestone was removed from his position running Formula 1 after Liberty Media completed its takeover of the sport
Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has denied being arrested at an airport in Portugal after arriving with a shotgun he intended to use in a clay pigeon shooting competition.
Ecclestone, 95, said he was stopped and questioned by four police officers and customs officials at the Tires Aerodrome in Cascais on Monday after arriving from Switzerland.
The British businessman told the Press Association he had to "surrender" the weapon he travelled with as he did not have the right documents to correctly import it.
Ecclestone, who was in charge of F1 for nearly 40 years until 2017, said the Portuguese police were "very helpful" and rejected reports he had been arrested.
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