A German court on Monday convicted four former Volkswagen managers of fraud in the diesel emissions scandal. The case revolves around illegal software that made diesel emissions from Volkswagens appear lower than they actually were.
The court in the German city of Braunschweig imposed multi-year prison sentences on two former managers, reports ANP. The prison sentences go up to 4.5 years, but appeals are possible. Two other former managers received suspended sentences. The case is also known as Dieselgate.
In 2015, it was revealed that Volkswagen was using illegal software to artificially make millions of diesel cars appear more environmentally friendly. During emissions tests, the emissions appeared lower than they actually were. Dieselgate cost Volkswagen tens of billions in fines and damage claims.
The former managers and engineers previously worked on the development of engine and emissions technology. In April, public prosecutors already stated that the men were accessories to fraud and deception.
Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn must also answer for the diesel emissions scandal, but his trial has been postponed due to his poor health. The now 78-year-old Winterkorn stepped down shortly after the news about the diesel fraud case broke.
CEO denies allegations
In addition to fraud, Winterkorn is also accused of market manipulation, because he allegedly informed investors too late about the financial consequences of the case. He denies this and says that he only discovered the tampering with the diesel software late.
The fraud case is seen as the biggest industrial scandal in Germany since the Second World War.