Bernie Ecclestone, the 95-year-old former Formula One chief, was detained in Portugal on Monday, 7 September 2026, after customs authorities discovered an undocumented shotgun on his private jet. The incident occurred at Tires Aerodrome in Cascais following a routine inspection.
Portuguese officials questioned Mr Ecclestone regarding the firearm, which he stated he had brought for a clay pigeon shooting competition. He told PA Media that he was unaware of a required 'blue book' for the gun, which he said he had purchased in England and imported into Switzerland through normal channels.
Under standard procedure, the firearm is seized, and the individual found with it is formally made a defendant in criminal proceedings. The outcome of Mr Ecclestone's case is not yet known.
This is not the first time Mr Ecclestone has faced scrutiny over a firearm while travelling. In May 2022, he was arrested in Brazil for illegally possessing an undeclared pistol while preparing to board a private plane.