Martin Winterkorn is said to be complicit in the VW emissions scandal: At least that’s what the US Department of Justice sees it – and accuses the former Volkswagen boss of complicity.
Ex-VW boss Martin Winterkorn
Thursday, 03.05.2018
22:11 clock
The US Department of Justice accused Volkswagens former CEO Martin Winterkorn the complicity in the exhaust gas scandal. This is clear from an extended indictment published Thursday by the competent court in Detroit, Michigan.
Winterkorn is accused of being part of a conspiracy to violate US environmental laws. The top manager resigned in September 2015, shortly after US authorities revealed exhaust manipulation of numerous diesel cars at VW. Winterkorn had despite the allegations emphasizes that you are not aware of any wrongdoing.
The carmaker has emphasized its willingness to cooperate with the US Department of Justice in the case. Volkswagen continues to cooperate fully with the US Department of Justice, the company said. However, it was not appropriate to comment on individual cases.
VW had to pay because of the scandal in the US billions of penalties. The affair also seriously damaged the image of the diesel. This crisis continues today. (You can find facts and data on the exhaust gas affair here.)
VW manager sentenced to prison terms
The US judiciary had previously filed criminal charges against eight incumbent and former employees of the VW Group. Two of them have already become several years imprisonment and high fines.
Against Winterkorn and other managers is also determined in Germany. On the one hand because of the initial suspicion of fraud, on the other hand because of market manipulation. Investors complain therefore on damages worth billions, because the VW share went down after the scandal became known.
The managers are said to have informed the financial markets too late in autumn 2015 about the exhaust gas scandal. The Group always emphasizes that it has done so on time.