The family of Michael Schumacher has introduced more stringent measures controlling access to the Formula One champion after criminals attempted to blackmail them for £12 million.
The seven-time world champion's inner circle has become increasingly restricted following the security breach involving stolen photographs and confidential medical documents.
Schumacher has remained away from public view for nearly twelve years following a devastating skiing incident in the French Alps during December 2013.
The racing legend suffered severe head trauma after striking a rock and spent months in an induced coma.
Michael Schumacher has been protected by wife Corinna Schumacher ever since his skiing accident in 2013 | GETTYHe has since received round-the-clock medical attention at his Lake Geneva residence, with his wife overseeing his care alongside healthcare specialists.
Three individuals orchestrated the extortion scheme, with nightclub doorman Yilmaz Tozturkan, aged 54, as the primary perpetrator.
Former security employee Markus Fritsche, also 54, allegedly obtained the sensitive material whilst working for a firm protecting the Schumacher residence.
The criminals possessed approximately 900 private photographs and close to 600 personal videos of the racing champion.
They also acquired confidential medical documentation detailing his condition.
Tozturkan issued threats to publish these materials on the dark web unless the family paid £12 million.
Markus Fritsche received a two-year suspended sentence despite denying participation in the extortion scheme
| YouTube/FaceBookHis 31-year-old son, Daniel Lins, provided assistance in executing the blackmail plot against the vulnerable family.
Wuppertal district court delivered its verdict in February, sentencing Tozturkan to three years' imprisonment. However, he remains at liberty after securing bail of approximately £8,800.
Fritsche received a two-year suspended sentence despite denying participation in the extortion scheme. Lins was given a six-month suspended sentence for his role in the conspiracy.
Michael Schumacher's condition has been kept private by the family | PAAuthorities have been unable to locate one of two hard drives containing the stolen data, prompting concern from the Schumacher family.
They have expressed dissatisfaction with the lenient sentences and sought harsher penalties for the perpetrators.
During November's appeal proceedings, Lins withdrew his appeal, making his suspended sentence final. Both he and his father declined to provide further testimony at the hearing.
Sabine Kehm, the family's long-standing manager and one of the select individuals permitted access to Schumacher, provided testimony at the appeal hearing.
The 60-year-old explained how the security violation has fundamentally altered the family's approach to staff relationships.
"The breach of trust has led to the family keeping more distance from the people who work for them, to being more cautious," Kehm stated in court.
She condemned the exploitation attempt, adding: "I personally find it extremely perfidious that they want to exploit the suffering like this, so it's clear that the family is taking a tougher stance towards their members."
The trusted inner circle now comprises only Schumacher's wife Corinna, their children Mick and Gina-Maria, Kehm herself, and former Formula One colleagues Ross Brawn, Jean Todt, Gerhard Berger, Luca Badoer and Felipe Massa.