Michael Schumacher latest news: Blackmail attempt thwarted, culprit bank account information leads to arrest
The family of Michael Schumacher already has enough worries, and receiving threats and blackmails is certainly something they don’t need right now. Thankfully, authorities were able to apprehend the individual who was later on meted a suspended sentence.
According to ESPN UK, a 21-year-old man known only as Huseyin B was easily apprehended after he left his own personal bank details in the email sent to Corinna Schumacher last February 2016. The email read, "If the money doesn't reach us by March 31, 2016, your children will be killed in some way. In Formula Four, many accidents occur."
Huseyin B asked for EU$900,000 (AU$1.34 million) from Corinna Schumacher and even threatened to kill their children, Gina-Maria and Mick. Of the two, the threat was centred more on the latter, who started his racing career last year with the ADAC Formula 4. Gina-Maria also has a successful riding career.
“To put it cautiously, giving your own bank account details is not sensible,” judge Eberhard Hausch told a court in the city of Reutlingen. According to the lawyer of Huseyin B, his client is unable to explain why he acted the way he did.
The current row is the latest tied up to the Michael Schumacher family as the racing legend continues to fight his way back to normal life. The 48-year-old racing legend continues to recover at his Swiss home from the unfortunate head injury he suffered in 2013 from a skiing accident at the French Alps.
To date, the Schumachers have kept a tight lid on his health status. His condition is known only to his family and select friends, with most updates coming out online inconsistent.
Michael Schumacher’s health has been a hot topic, a mix of both good and bad. Some claim that the F1 legend has made progress, while there are some channels who reveal otherwise. Ross Brawn, a close friend to Schumi, allegedly confirmed positive signs of recovery, though he did not get into detail.
Other than those select revelations, all updates pertaining to the fallen racing legend have been limited to Schumacher’s official spokesperson Sabine Kehm. Some are under the impression that the Schumachers are in a bit of financial trouble, along with the reported sale of some of their assets. These include Schumacher’s private jet and holiday home.