Volkswagen Managers Convicted of Emissions Scandal Fraud
A German court has convicted four former Volkswagen managers of fraud related to the company's emissions control manipulation, handing down prison sentences to two of them nearly a decade after the scandal broke. The scandal began in 2015 when the US EPA issued a notice of violation, highlighting the company's rigging of engine control software to pass emissions tests while emitting excessive pollution on the road. Volkswagen has paid over 33 billion euros in fines and compensation to vehicle owners.
Key Takeaways:
- The former head of diesel development was sentenced to four and a half years in prison, while the head of drive train electronics received a two-year and seven-month sentence.
- Two other former managers received suspended sentences of 15 months and 10 months, respectively.
- The company has paid over 33 billion euros in fines and compensation to vehicle owners since the scandal broke in 2015.
- Proceedings against former CEO Martin Winterkorn have been suspended due to health issues, and it's unclear when he will go on trial.
- Winterkorn has denied any wrongdoing and proceedings against him are still pending.
- 31 other suspects remain at large in Germany, with further proceedings against them ongoing.
Statistics:
- 33 billion euros: total amount paid in fines and compensation to vehicle owners since 2015
- 4.5 years: prison sentence for the former head of diesel development
- 2 years and 7 months: prison sentence for the head of drive train electronics
- 15 months: suspended sentence for one of the former managers
- 10 months: suspended sentence for another former manager
- 31: number of remaining suspects in Germany with ongoing proceedings
Sources:
- dpa (German news agency)
- AP news wire
- Volkswagen press releases