Ex-Volkswagen chief Winterkorn goes on trial over Dieselgate


09/04/2024

Martin Winterkorn, the ex-CEO of Volkswagen, was present in a Brunswick court on Tuesday to face allegations of fraud and market manipulation linked to the scandal involving the company's use of software to cheat emissions tests and release harmful pollutants from millions of cars.



Volkswagen AG
The prosecution claims Winterkorn was aware of the illegal software prior to the EPA's discovery in September 2015, leading to his resignation. As per the charges, Winterkorn learned of the issue by May 2014 at the latest, yet continued to allow the sale of cars equipped with the software.

The accused claims he was only made aware of the software's usage shortly prior to the EPA report, and has labeled the accusations against him as inaccurate.

Winterkorn was scheduled to appear in court in 2021 with four other VW executives, but his charges were delayed due to health issues. Currently, the ex-leader of the car company is 77 years of age.

Should he be found guilty, he could be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years behind bars.

Court hearings are set from now until September 2025.

source: apnews.com