I indemnified them for $100m and got $41.4m as a commission. When I look at it
now I think what a bloody idiot I was.”
Mr Ecclestone now faces the possibility that he may be sued by BayernLB to
return the commission that was paid in the wake of his indemnity. It follows
the conviction of Mr Gribkowsky who was given an eight-and-a-half year
sentence for receiving a bribe and not paying tax on it.
Mr Ecclestone admits he paid Mr Gribkowsky but says he did this to prevent him
making false allegations about his tax affairs to HM Revenue Customs. He
is being investigated by the Munich state prosecutor, but has not been
charged with any wrongdoing.