The Wuppertal Administrative Court has sentenced three individuals to prison on Wednesday for attempting to extort the family of legendary Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher by demanding millions of euros in exchange for not publishing private images of the seven-time world champion.

Details of the Verdict

Out of the three accused, only one will serve time in prison: Yilmaz T., 53, who was considered the mastermind behind the extortion, while his son Daniel L. (30) and accomplice Markus F. (53) will serve time on probation.

The trio obtained the intimate images of the Schumacher family through F., who worked as a security advisor for the family. F. sold the photos to Yilmaz T., who demanded €15 million in exchange for not releasing the images.

Context of the Case

Since Michael Schumacher suffered a severe skiing accident in 2013, he has remained out of the public eye, and his health condition remains unknown.  Yilmaz T. admitted to the crime and, according to 'Bild', publicly apologized before the sentence was handed down, expressing his regret: "I am very sorry, and I am ashamed." The trial of the accused began in December, after the father and son were arrested in August of last year.