Sutil's lawyer issues firm statement after shocking arrest in Germany
Adrian Sutil’s lawyer has issued a long statement rejecting the allegations made against the former German driver.
Attorney Dirk Schmitz explained that his client is in pre-trial detention in Germany “primarily due to the fact that Mr. Sutil does not have a residence in Germany but only in Monaco,” and that Sutil has firmly stated “no financial damage has been caused to third parties to date.”
Full translated statement from Sutil’s attorney
“In recent days, media outlets have reported on criminal investigations by the public prosecutor’s office and measures taken by investigative authorities in connection with Mr. Sutil. The allegations concern property-related offences in relation to his international business activities. Adrian Sutil is currently in pre-trial detention in Germany. This is primarily due to the fact that Mr. Sutil does not have a residence in Germany but only in Monaco.
“Adrian Sutil wishes to make it clear that he rejects the accusations brought against him. From his perspective, no financial damage has been caused to third parties to date. The allegations relate to international and cross-border leasing contracts and security agreements that must be assessed under different national legal standards and therefore lead to differing evaluations.
“The triggers and surrounding circumstances suggest an attempt to deliberately and misleadingly damage his reputation. In particular, Adrian Sutil himself has become the victim of a major property offence within the European sphere. Further information on this will be provided shortly.
Schmitz also revealed that Sutil is fully cooperating with the authorities to resolve the situation and that the allegations against him will ultimately prove unfounded.
“Regardless of this, Mr. Sutil is fully cooperating with the competent investigative authorities in order to contribute to a swift and comprehensive clarification of the matter. He is confident that, as the investigations progress, the allegations will prove to be unfounded under criminal law and that his prominent name as a Formula 1 driver will be fully rehabilitated. For him, it is beyond question that the clarification must be based solely on facts and evidence. Despite the traumatic experiences he is currently undergoing, he wishes to thank the public prosecutor’s office and the state criminal investigation department for their correct and objective conduct so far.
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“Adrian Sutil expressly requests that the public and the media respect the presumption of innocence and refrain from negatively influencing the ongoing proceedings through speculative or prejudicial reporting. Any assessments should only be made once the competent authorities have completed their work and reliable findings are available.
“At the same time, Mr. Sutil wishes to thank all friends, colleagues, and business partners in Monaco, Germany, and around the world who are offering him support and trust at this particularly difficult and, in his view, unjust situation.”
Why was Sutil arrested?
Last week, a media storm hit the German driver, with several serious charges brought against him.
The former Spyker, Force India and Sauber has been arrested for alleged fraud and embezzlement in an 'international raid', according to BILD, allegedly linked to luxury‑car leasing and financial dealings.
The former driver is currently being held in pre-trial detention in a prison in Baden-Württemberg while the situation is being clarified.
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