on 21 june 2007 it was reported that stepney was the subject of a criminal inquiry by the modena district attorney, initiated after ferrari reportedly made a formal complaint. no reason for the investigation was given, with the specifics of the complaint not being released to the public. a ferrari spokesman told reuters "it is not related to any event; it is related to his behaviour." it was later reported that this was due to the team finding a white residue powder in the fuel tanks of their cars post the monaco grand prix, where they finished third and eighth. he was also accused of selling ferrari parts to competing teams. he denied the accusations and claimed to be the victim of a "dirty tricks campaign".