VW emissions scandal: VW diesel scandal - New attempt for fraud trial

The VW Dieselskandal, or diesel scandal, first came to light in September 2015 when US authorities proved that Volkswagen's diesel vehicles had been manipulated with software to reduce emissions during testing, but emit much higher levels in normal use. More than ten years later, interest in the case has faded, but legal investigations have continued.

The Braunschweig court, responsible for the company's headquarters in nearby Wolfsburg, is now trying to clarify individual managers' criminal responsibility. A new fraud trial began in September 2021, with the first major case starting after several delays due to the coronavirus pandemic. The court found four former VW executives guilty of fraud, with two facing jail sentences and two given probation.

The trial against Martin Winterkorn, the former CEO, was suspended after an accident, and is now cancelled due to his inability to stand trial. Two more fraud trials began in November 2025 and April 2026, with a total of ten defendants. The proceedings, which target personal responsibility of VW employees, aim to continue the process of uncovering criminal responsibility among the managers.