Bernie Ecclestone has protested his innocence throughout the investigations © Getty Images
Bernie Ecclestone is still waiting to learn whether or not he will face charges in connection with a corporate corruption case in Germany, after prosecutors in Munich alleged that he and one of his family trusts paid bribes to a German banker during the sale of Formula One in 2005.
No charges have been made against Ecclestone but Gerhard Gribkowsky, a banker who organised BayernLB's sale of a stake in F1, has been charged with breach of trust, tax evasion and receipt of corrupt payments.
According to the Financial Times the prosecutors are still investigating Ecclestone's role in the deal.
A spokeswoman for the prosecutors, Barbara Stockinger, alleged that Gribkowsky accepted payments of $44 million from an individual known as "Bernard E." and Ecclestone's family-owned Bambino Trust. The prosecutors allege that, in return, commissions were made from BayernLB to Ecclestone and the Bambino Trust disguised as consulting contracts. Stockinger's statement added: "The Bayerische Landesbank incurred damages of almost $66.5 million through the conduct of the accused."
Ever since the investigation was launched Ecclestone, who has protested his innocence throughout, has cooperated with the authorities, travelling to Munich in April to meet with them.
Credit: ESPN F1 (en.espnf1.com)
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