Ex-Formula 1 Driver’s Family Subject to Failed Extortion Attempt, Resulting in Prison Sentences
In the aftermath of a failed extortion attempt against the family of former Formula 1 race car driver Michael Schumacher, the German judiciary has handed down prison sentences of up to three years.
The Hauptangeklagte (main defendant), a 53-year-old man with several prior convictions, was sentenced to three years in prison for attempted extortion in a particularly severe case. His son, aged 30, received a six-month suspended sentence and a 1,200 euro fine for aiding and abetting attempted extortion.
A former security guard employed by the family, also 53, was convicted of aiding and abetting and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended, and a 2,400 euro fine. Judge Birgit Neubert noted that the security guard’s breach of trust played a crucial role in initiating the extortion scheme.
Despite the guilty verdicts, all arrest warrants were lifted or suspended. The Schumacher family’s lawyer, Thilo Damm, announced plans to appeal the verdict regarding the former security guard.
Extortion Attempt using Private Photos and Videos
The Schumacher family was blackmailed with the release of private photographs and videos unless they paid 15 million euros. The perpetrators had acquired 900 images, nearly 600 videos, and Michael Schumacher’s digitized medical records. One hard drive remained unaccounted for.
Michael Schumacher has been shielded from public view by his family and staff since he sustained a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013.
Confessions and Denied Allegations
The main defendant and his son confessed to the charges. The third defendant, the former security guard, denied the allegations through his attorney and sought acquittal. The defense claimed that their client did not steal the sensitive data.
Sentences and Defense Arguments
The prosecutor sought three years’ imprisonment for the main defendant and four months on probation for his son. He denounced the defendants’ exploitation of Michael Schumacher’s tragedy and the family’s vulnerability.
The prosecutor requested one year’s suspended sentence for the ex-security guard, alleging that he harbored a desire for revenge after being dismissed from his position.
The Schumacher family’s attorney advocated for three years’ imprisonment for the main defendant, one year for his son, and four years for the former security guard. He contended that the security guard was an active participant rather than a mere accomplice.
The main defendant’s lawyer proposed two years and three months’ imprisonment, arguing that the extortion was not severe but rather a simple case. He requested the release of his client from custody.
Guilty Pleas and Sentences
The Wuppertal-based 53-year-old defendant admitted to contacting a Schumacher family employee and demanding 15 million euros. Recordings of the extortion calls were played in court, revealing the defendant’s offer to inform on his accomplice.
In his confession, the main defendant implicated the ex-security guard, claiming that he received two hard drives containing the visual material from him. The guard, in turn, asserted that he obtained the data from a nurse employed by the Schumachers who had been dismissed from her position. Investigations into the nurse’s involvement were initiated during the trial.
The verdicts are subject to appeal.
