Michael Schumacher’s former bodyguard, Markus Fritsche, is set to stand trial for allegedly attempting to extort £12 million from the F1 legend’s family.
Fritsche worked for the Schumacher family for eight years, but was dismissed in 2020 after they decided to change Michael’s care plan.
It is alleged that he then became bitter and threatened to release highly personal photos and videos of Michael to the dark web unless he was paid €15 million (£12 million).
The trial is due to begin on Tuesday in a German district court, with Fritsche facing a potential ‘severe prison sentence’ if convicted.
Prosecutors claim Fritsche stole around 1,500 photos and 200 videos from the Schumacher villa, as well as information about the star’s health and treatment. He is also accused of selling these stolen items to his long-term friend Yilmaz Tozturkan and his son Daniel Lins.
