Former Schumacher Security Guard Faces Trial Over $23 Million Blackmail Scheme

Three men, including a trusted ex-employee, are accused of stealing private photos and medical records to extort the Schumacher family.

Michael Schumacher, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, has lived in strict privacy since a 2013 skiing accident left him with severe brain injuries requiring constant care.
Markus Fritsche, a former member of Schumacher's security team, is accused of orchestrating the theft of 1,500 photos, 200 videos, and private medical records from the family's Swiss home.
Prosecutors allege Fritsche, motivated by his impending dismissal, collaborated with his son and a nightclub bouncer to demand a €15 million ($23 million) ransom from the family.
Swiss authorities traced the suspects after a June phone call and email containing proof of the theft, leading to their arrests on June 19 in a coordinated operation.
The Schumacher family has not commented on the case, consistent with their long-standing efforts to protect Michael's privacy after previous extortion attempts and legal battles over fabricated media reports.