Michael Schumacher 'intimate medical images' threatened to be leaked in alleged plot by member of inner circle

A member of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher's inner circle reportedly threatened to release private medical images in an alleged blackmail attempt.

Back in December 2013, the F1 world was shaken to its core after news emerged that Schumacher had suffered a serious skiing accident.

At the time, the former Ferrari superstar was airlifted to a hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma until June 2014.

Ever since that day, little to zero updates have been given on Schumacher's condition as his family chose to keep the details private.

Last month, there were reports that Schumacher made his first public appearance in 11 years.

However, those rumours were shut down by Schumacher's former teammate Johnny Herbert.

Now, details have emerged that one member of Schumacher's inner circle threatened to release private medical images of the German in what was a blackmail attempt.

As reported by LBC, three men were arrested in Germany this summer accused of demanding £12.5 million from the Schumacher family in exchange for not releasing personal pictures and videos.

The report stated: "A 53-year-old bouncer, Yilmaz T, was arrested alongside his 30-year-old son in June, and a month later the Schumacher family's former security guard Markus Fritsche, also 53, was arrested too."

Former security guard Fritsche is the alleged mastermind behind the plot to sell private pictures of Schumacher.

Michael Schumacher is a seven-time Formula 1 world champion. Image: Getty

According to the report, the alleged plot took place after Fritsche was sacked on the back of looking after the seven-time F1 world champion for eight years.

He was then accused of hiring two accomplices to release as many as 1500 'intimate medical images' to the dark web.

LBC's report added: "The security guard is said to have put the images onto memory sticks when he knew he was going to be let go. The trio are then accused of calling the Schumacher family and demanded the multi-million pound payment in exchange for not releasing the images.

"The family called the police, who after an investigation were able to track down Fritsche and his alleged accomplices. The trio are due to face trial next month."