'Bodyguard tried to extort Schumacher family for £12 million'
F1 News
- Cas van de Kleut
More details have emerged in the case of the attempted extortion of the family of Michael Schumacher. The bodyguard of the former Formula 1 driver allegedly tried to extort 15 million euros from the Schumacher family, together with two accomplices. This is reported by the Daily Mail. The bodyguard allegedly threatened to distribute photos of the medical condition of the seven-time world champion.
It is said to involve Markus Fritsche. He had been hired as the German's bodyguard a year and a half before Schumacher experienced his skiing incident. Corinna, Schumacher's wife, allegedly confided in Fritsche as one of the few people to help care for her husband.
'Bodyguard wanted to distribute sensitive photos of Schumacher'
For eight years, the Schumacher family would not have doubted the bodyguard's loyalty, and so he was given unique access to the most intimate situations. At some point, the family is said to have made the choice to stop allowing Fritsche into these situations. After this, he allegedly became bitter and devised an elaborate blackmail plan.
According to prosecutors in Germany, Fritsche allegedly hired his old friend Yilmaz Tozturkan and his son, an IT expert, for the extortion that would amount to as much as £12 million. In the end, there would be 1,500 photos, 200 videos and extensive medical notes on Schumacher. These images Fritsche allegedly removed from Schumacher's house when he realised he would have to leave.
Tozturkan is currently in custody, while Fritsche and Tozturkan's son are on bail. Next month, a decision will be made on whether there is enough evidence to continue the case. If so, four dates have been set aside for further hearings.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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