The family of former Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher has been targeted in a blackmail scheme involving sensitive images of the racing legend after his skiing accident in 2013. German police have confirmed the arrest of a third man in connection with the plot, which was reported to be worth around £12 million.
The mastermind behind the scheme, a 52-year-old man who used to work as a security guard for the Schumacher family, was arrested in Wülfrath. This arrest follows the apprehension of a father and son duo last month, who were allegedly trying to extort money from the family by threatening to release the images.
It is believed that the two men had sensitive images of Schumacher taken immediately after his accident and had been demanding payment from the family to prevent the pictures from being made public. The third man involved in the scheme was responsible for converting private family photos into digital form and transferring them to the other suspects.
Despite receiving around-the-clock care in Switzerland, Schumacher’s condition has been kept private by his wife, Corinna, and the rest of his family. This is not the first time the family has been targeted by blackmailers, as a previous incident in 2017 involved threats to harm Schumacher’s children if a ransom was not paid.
The former racing champion, who won seven world titles in his career, has not been seen in public since his accident and has been recovering from life-changing injuries. Details of his condition have been scarce, but his legacy in the world of Formula 1 remains intact.
In addition to the recent arrests, it is important to note that the family’s privacy and security have been compromised multiple times in the past. The involvement of a former security guard in the scheme highlights the vulnerabilities that high-profile individuals and their families can face when it comes to protecting their personal information.
As fans of Formula 1 continue to follow the sport and its iconic drivers like Schumacher, it is essential to respect the privacy and well-being of those who have dedicated their lives to the sport. The recent blackmail plot serves as a reminder of the challenges that celebrities and their families can encounter, even in the midst of personal tragedies and hardships.