Three suspects have reportedly been charged with blackmailing the Schumacher family over private photos and sensitive information. The men in question demanded £12.5million (€15m) before their plot unravelled.
Earlier this summer, details first broke from German media reporting that the suspects demanded the eight-figure sum from Michael Schumacher’s wife, Corinna, under the threat of leaking medical details, obtained from two stolen hard drives.
Initial reporting stated that over 1,500 files were accessed, containing photos and videos of the stricken seven-time world champion, as well as medication lists and treatment details. The suspects allegedly threatened to release the contents across the dark web.
Now, according to a report from Kronen Zeitung, the three men have been charged by local authorities in Wuppertal following an investigation from Swiss and German police. No details of a trial have been revealed as of yet.
This saga has been the latest twist in a difficult summer for the Schumacher family. Ralf, the brother of Ferrari legend Michael, came out as gay in July and his announcement was met with widespread support and positivity, but he has since become embroiled in a public row with ex-wife Carmen Geiss.
The former Williams driver, who is now in a relationship with Etienne Bousquet-Cassagne, was called out by Geiss in an interview with Der Spiegel. “I wish Ralf had included me or at least let me be part of his decision,” she said. “It would have been a sign of respect.
“During his career in F1, there were many rumours in the paddock. I asked him to clarify if what was being said was true, but he always denied it, telling me that I was imagining everything and that maybe I needed psychological help.
“When he announced it, it was like a stab in the heart. Coming out always affects those around you, including the ex-wife with whom you had a child. Today I feel used during the marriage. I feel like I’ve wasted my best years. I ask myself many questions. Was he honest with me?”
This wasn’t the only incident. Michael’s son, Mick, was publicly called out by Williams team principal James Vowles, who described the former Haas racer as “not special” when explaining his choice to sign academy graduate Franco Colapinto as Logan Sargeant’s mid-season replacement.
According to a report from Motor Sport, these comments infuriated Corinna who ‘made her feelings known’ to Vowles on his exit from the Italian Grand Prix paddock earlier this month.
