Schumacher's family is appealing the blackmailers' conviction

      Michael Schumacher's family has become embroiled in a criminal story. The former bodyguard of the seven-time world champion Markus Fritche together with his associates extorted 15 million euros from the racer's family, threatening to put on the darknet personal photos and videos of Michael. Markus Fritche stole and stored about 1500 photos and 200 videos from Schumacher's villa on four USB drives and two hard disks, as well as had information about the health and treatment of Schumacher. In addition, Fritche sold some of the disks to his longtime friend Yilmaz Tozturkan and his son Daniel Lins for a five-figure sum. All three went on trial, which last week delivered a verdict - Yilmaz Tozturkan received a three-year prison sentence, Markus Fritche received a two-year suspended sentence and Daniel Lins received a six-month suspended sentence.

      The family of the racer considered the sentences too lenient and released a statement in which Corinna Schumacher, Michael's wife, announced an appeal. Corinna Schumacher: "We have appealed the court decision because we consider the sentence for Mr. Fritche too lenient. He was the mastermind behind all this and should receive a punishment that will deter any potential followers."