To spy or not to spy?

Three former Toyota Motorsport officials have been charged with industrial espionage. German prosecutors have filed charges against the three unnamed individuals, accusing them of using technology – specifically a data analysis programme – purloined from Ferrari by a technician who switched to Toyota in early 2002.

The Toyota officials are alleged to have used the programme to develop their cars in 2002 and 2003 in the knowledge that they had obtained the software illegally.
A statement said: “Separate investigations into the former Ferrari staff member are being conducted in Italy and by Cologne prosecutors.” Toyota Motorsport has not responded to the charges. A Cologne court specialising in economic malpractice will hear the case, although a date has yet to be set.