Stefansson

The instrument has already yielded critical information in the discovery and confirmation of new planets, Stefánsson explained, but the discovery of the planet LHS 3154b exceeded all expectations.

Bjarni Stefansson, a local taxi driver, described a scene of confusion when he arrived at the Retreat Hotel, where lava rocks had fallen on the roadway and the parking lot was jammed with 20 to 30 cabs.

“There was a panic situation,” Stefansson told The Associated Press.

It blames any criminal activity that may have occurred on the whistle blower, Johannes Stefansson.

But Mr Stefansson says others authorised payments and he is set to be the prosecution's most important witness at the trial later this year.