In his testimony Mr Ecclestone said fear of losing “in excess of £2bn”
to the taxman caused him and his family trust Bambino Holdings to pay a
total of $44m to Dr Gribkowsky.
He testified that Dr Gribkowsky threatened to go to HM Revenue Customs
with evidence Mr Ecclestone was more involved in the running of his family
trust Bambino Holdings than he was allowed under the law.
Although Mr Ecclestone denied anything wrongdoing regarding the running of the
trust he said the fear of a HMRC investigation led to him making the
payments.
“I don’t think they could ever have proved anything,” Mr Ecclestone
said. “But I couldn’t afford to take the risk. Simple as that.”
The case continues. Mr Mullens’ lawyer did not respond to calls for comment.
Peters Peters partner Keith Oliver, representing Constantin, declined to
comment.