The bribery case involving Bernie Ecclestone looks set to be settled out of court. The BBC reports Ecclestone’s lawyers are ready to pay up to €25 million (AU$35.7m) to end the case against him in the German courts.
On Tuesday Ecclestone’s defence team called for an end to proceedings citing a lack of evidence while also indicating the F1 supremo is willing to negotiate an out of court settlement. If a suitable settlement can be achieved German law allows prosecutors to withdraw all charges.
The bribery claims relate to the sale of Formula 1 to CVC Capaital Partners in 2006, where it is alleged Ecclestone paid off former banker Gerhard Gribkowsky to ensure a smooth transaction.
Gribkowsky is currently serving an eight-and-a-half year jail term for his part in that deal, being found guilty of accepting a bribe.
[Source: BBC | Pic: AP]
5 replies on “Bernie says: I’ll pay to settle bribery case”
So he’s indicted on bribery charges, but German law allows him to bribe his way out of the charges…? Surely this “settlement” is just another bribe?
Am I the only one who finds this patently bizarre?
Craig looking at the article headline I don’t think you’re the only one to find this odd at all. Those with the money often come out in front, even when they lose.
What must Gerhard Gribkowsky be thinking.
Craig, RMS, good points both. 😉
[…] week news emerged that Bernie Ecclestone was likely to buy his way out of the bribery charges laid against him in a German court. Today, The Independent reports Eccelstone will pay US$100m to […]