Bernie Ecclestone describes the nature of his dealing with Gerhard Gribkowsky – Formula 1 news
Bernie Ecclestone says he was shaken down by Gerhard Gribkowsky to pay up the sum of $23 million.
Ecclestone told German authorities during the second day of the trial, for the banker Gribkowsky on tax evasion and corruption. The Formula 1 boss explained how Gribkowsky was very slick in his “shake-down” and threatened him with false allegations.
“It's something that went on for quite a long period. He was very sophisticated in the way he was shaking me down. I have been shaken down by other people but I must confess not quite as professionally as he did,” Ecclestone added.
Asked why he had no reported this to the police, Ecclestone replied, “It was one of those things in life you want to forget about … regrettably I am reminded about it now.”
When Ecclestone was asked whether Gribkowsky had made any direct threats, he explained that he had not made any direct statements but it was more subtle like in the movies.
He said that Gribkowsky threatened him with statements like he has seen his children leave the house, go to school and other stuff which were directed to scare him. He implicated the seriousness of the situation. Therefore, he had no other choice but to
pay the banker.
Ecclestone has also admitted to his ex-wife’s extravagant spending for their youngest daughter’s wedding, which saw a bill in excess of £12 million earlier this year. Ecclestone though said that he had no say in the matter and only found out about the huge
bill until after the wedding and cited that he had no control over his ex-wife’s business dealings.
The 81-year-old F1 boss is under investigation by the German authorities and it is believed that the case is also being watched closely by the HM Revenue & Customs.
After the questioning had concluded, Ecclestone flew over to Abu Dhabi in a private jet to be present for the FP1 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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