BERLIN (AP) – Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone’s departure from a Munich court with a fleeting “bye-bye” after having bribery charges dropped in exchange for an enormous $100 million payment left a sour taste for many in Germany.
However, while the size of the super-wealthy 83-year-old’s payment appears to be unprecedented, the legal device that made it possible is commonly used and the motor-racing boss isn’t the first prominent beneficiary. Here’s a look at how the deal was possible.
Q: What’s the law?
A: Germany’s criminal code says prosecutors and courts can agree to close proceedings in exchange for a payment, community service, reparations or other conditions “if the degree of guilt does not present an obstacle.”
The possibility is available for any offense carrying a minimum sentence of less than a year in prison – such as the charges Ecclestone faced, bribery and incitement to breach of trust.