The indictment acknowledges that “Gribkowsky endeavoured to create
pressure against Bambino and the accused by repeatedly insinuating that the
accused was effectively in charge of the trust”.
It adds that “this did not, however, present a real threat for separate
tax treatment of the accused and the Bambino Trust on the part of the
British tax authorities, since Dr Gribkowsky and BayernLB had no specific
proof of any such connection”.
Mr Ecclestone says that proof would not have been needed as HMRC has to
investigate any tip-off, particularly if it comes from a company insider
such as Mr Gribkowsky.
The indictment is not clear about when Mr Ecclestone allegedly bribed Mr
Gribkowsky, as it claims that they came to an agreement “in April/May
2005.” However, Mr Ecclestone’s lawyer, Sven Thomas, says that there is
no record of this meeting taking place.
The indictment alleges that Mr Ecclestone paid the bribe to Mr Gribkowsky even
though he did not have the power to approve the sale to CVC.
It states that CVC co-founder, Donald Mackenzie, “had tentatively
proposed an enterprise value of $1bn, which would have resulted in a
purchase price of approx. $460m million for the interest held by BayernLB”.
According to the indictment, Mr Ecclestone encouraged CVC to pay more as he
allegedly “made it clear to CVC’s representative, Mr Mackenzie, that
the purchase offer should be based on an enterprise value of $2bn which, in
terms of the interest held by BayernLB, represented a purchase price of
almost $1bn”.
Mr Ecclestone’s lawyers have until September to respond and a judge will then
decide if a trial is needed.