Prison sentences issued for Dieselgate: Previous VW managers face incarceration - Former VW managers face imprisonment in the diesel emissions scandal
Four former executives of Volkswagen have been found guilty of fraud in the long-running diesel emissions scandal trial. The economic crimes chamber of the Braunschweig district court handed down sentences ranging from multiple years in prison to suspended terms to two defendants, while two former employees received suspended sentences.
The verdict marks the conclusion of a four-year-long proceeding, during which the defendants have maintained their innocence, viewing themselves as scapegoats. The prosecution demanded between two and four years in prison and considered probation appropriate in one case, while the defense pleaded for three acquittals and a reprimand.
Further trials are still pending in Braunschweig, with 31 defendants yet to face judgment. The emissions test manipulations scandal first came to light in September 2015, with Volkswagen admitting to falsifying results in the US. The ensuing crisis cost the company an estimated 33 billion euros, according to its own statements.
Martin Winterkorn, the former CEO of Volkswagen, had been set to stand trial alongside the other defendants but was excused due to health reasons before the proceedings began in September 2021. His trial remains on hold, with the current state of Winterkorn's health making it uncertain when the proceedings may continue. Despite this, Winterkorn has testified in court, categorically denying responsibility for the Dieselgate scandal.
[1] According to various updates, there has been no final verdict for Martin Winterkorn in the Dieselgate trial at the Braunschweig district court.
[2] Four former Volkswagen executives have been convicted of fraud in connection with the scandal.
[3] Sentences ranged from suspended terms to prison sentences for the four convicted executives.
[4] Two former employees also received suspended sentences in the verdict.
[5] The trial against Martin Winterkorn remains suspended due to ongoing health issues.
[1] The community policy of the Braunschweig district court does not allow for the release of final verdict details for individual defendants until a judgement has been officially announced.
[2] This business-related general-news story involves finances, as the evaluations stem from the employment policies that led to the fraud conviction of four former Volkswagen executives.
[3] In the crime-and-justice sector, the employment policy of Volkswagen came under scrutiny, resulting in four former executives receiving prison sentences and two employees receiving suspended sentences.
[4] The verdict underscores the need for stricter employment policies to ensure transparency and compliance within businesses, as shown in the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal.
[5] Despite the ongoing trial against Martin Winterkorn, the financial implications of the emissions scandal continue to impact Volkswagen's resources, with the company reporting an estimated 33 billion euros in losses from the crisis.
