Michael Schumacher stolen medical records linked to Swiss helicopter company
The Zurich-based firm was due to transport the racing driver from Grenoble to Lausanne hospital
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Michael Schumacher’s missing medical records have been linked to a Swiss helicopter firm in Zurich.
French authorities have located the IP address of the computer used by thieves, who stole the former racing driver’s documents last month, to a helicopter company that was due to transport the Formula One champion from Grenoble to Lausanne hospital after he emerged from his coma.
“The IP address was located in a helicopter firm in the Zurich area,” the prosecutor's office in Grenoble said, declining to give the name of the company.
The thieves had attempted to sell the records to French, Swiss and German journalists, demanding 60,000 Swiss francs (€49,000 or £39,000) for the documents, which detailed Schumacher’s treatment.
Sabina Kehm, the racing driver’s manager, threatened to sue any publication who ran the records, which are confidential.
“We expressly advise that both the purchase and the publication of such documents and data is forbidden,” said Kehm in a statement.
“The contents of any medical files are totally private and confidential and must not be made available to the public.
“We will therefore, in every single case, press for criminal charges and damages against any publication of the content or reference to the medical file. We trust for your understanding.”
In June, Schumacher came out of his coma, six months after a skiing accident that left him with serious head injuries.
However, leading medical expert Erich Riederer warned that Schumacher “will remain an invalid for the rest of his life” and will have suffered “permanent” brain damage.
Last weekend, Schumacher’s wife, Corrina – who has been married to the racing driver for 18 years – made her first appearance since the near-fatal accident at a horse riding event in Givrins, Switzerland.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments