Banker admits 'accepting bribes' from Ecclestone
Munich banker Gerhard Gribowsky tells court he took payments he regarded as bribes during F1 sale
The revelation could land F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone in hot water, possibly facing a custodial sentence were he to be found guilty. "Bernie Ecclestone should expect the [the state prosecutor] to prepare an international arrest warrant and an extradition request," German legal consultant Sewarion Kirkitadze said in German newspaper Bild. "Ultimately he could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years."
Gribkowsky, who has been in prison for the past 18 months and on trial since last October, is charged with receiving corrupt payments, tax evasion, and breach of trust against his employer (BayernLB) during the sale of the banks F1 shares to CVC Capital Partners in 2006.
Gribkowsky, who made the statement in a deal to help shorten his expected prison sentence, said: "I allowed myself to be bribed. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with what I did and to admit even to myself -- yes, it was bribery, and yes, I should have paid tax. Even today I have troubles accepting this as reality. With hindsight, I know now that I should have said no to [Ecclestone's] demands."
Ecclestone, however, seems typically sanguine about the situation, telling the Telegraph that "I suppose he would say that [about receiving bribes], so maybe he gets seven years instead of 14 years. The poor guy has been banged up for 18 months. He would have said anything to save himself. He was going to be locked up whatever happens."
More formally, Ecclestone's lawyer Sven Thomas has said emphatically that Gribkowsky's statement won't necessarily mean Ecclestone will face bribery charges himself.
"Dr Gribkowsky's trial and the result of it are neither binding for the investigation into Mr. Ecclestone, nor is the evidence established in this case useable against him," he said in a written statement. "Mr Ecclestone's defence has not taken part in the ongoing trial; it could not exert any influence, and presented no evidence. This is particularly applicable to disproving the recent views [expressed] in the court about alleged agreements between Dr Gribkowsky and Mr Ecclestone."
More formally, Ecclestone's lawyer Sven Thomas has said emphatically that Gribkowsky's statement won't necessarily mean Ecclestone will face bribery charges himself.
Does this statement also mean someone else has taken a bung so he doesnt get charged..........
Of course the little fella is corrupt. Of course he pays bribes to get what he wants.
The big question is if anyone has the cahunas to do anything about it...
Of course the little fella is corrupt. Of course he pays bribes to get what he wants.
The big question is if anyone has the cahunas to do anything about it...
Of course the little fella is corrupt. Of course he pays bribes to get what he wants.
The big question is if anyone has the cahunas to do anything about it...
(nb doesnt really justify bribery if that's the case. Anyhow he can pay off anyone who disagrees).
(nb doesnt really justify bribery if that's the case. Anyhow he can pay off anyone who disagrees).
/wait for cheque.
Regardless I cannot see anything sticking against him. If he goes to court that would be the most, prison sentence I cannot see it happening.
I hate this little man that has done nothing other than to turn what was a well respected motor sport into the equivalent of a pay per view cheesy TV show.
No doubt this act will tarnish further the F1 image and reduce the interest some more.
Ooh what a lot of negativity!
- I don't necessarily have proof of this, but I like to voice my opinion. Just in case anyone really cares...
Of course the little fella is corrupt. Of course he pays bribes to get what he wants.
The big question is if anyone has the cahunas to do anything about it...
They would probably need to be of industrial proportions. I don't know, but I would guess that, anyone who is up for a little bit of bribery and corruption is probably not that far removed from knowing someone with a baseball bat and knuckle dusters?
Disclaimer: Please note the question mark. Any similarities between persons real or imagined is purely coincidental.
All comments are meant in a light hearted and fun loving manner. Nothing contained herein is meant as a slight on the reputation or integrity of any persons previously mentioned or related to this article.
I hate this little man that has done nothing other than to turn what was a well respected motor sport into the equivalent of a pay per view cheesy TV show.
No doubt this act will tarnish further the F1 image and reduce the interest some more.
Ooh what a lot of negativity!
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