VW diesel scandal: Breakdown results in million-dollar gift to the car giant!

VW diesel scandal: Breakdown results in million-dollar gift to the car giant!

The diesel scandal continues to haunt Volkswagen (VW) and recently led to a new breakdown that turned out to be beneficial for the group. A multi-million dollar trial in Hanover collapsed because the public prosecutor's office forgot the signature of the responsible public prosecutor on the crucial document. This resulted in the state escaping a €4.3 million fine against VW for data protection violations. These violations primarily concern the handling of the diesel scandal and the inadequate information of employees about the transfer of data to the US supervisor Larry Thompson, as the state data protection officer complained.

The public prosecutor's office had lodged a complaint with the Higher Regional Court against the decision of the Hanover Regional Court, but had to withdraw it after the formal error became known. This means that the regional court's ruling in favor of VW remains. The CDU parliamentary group in the Lower Saxony state parliament described the breakdown as a scandal and is planning a consultation in the legal committee to investigate the incident.

Context of data breaches

The diesel scandal became known in autumn 2015 when manipulation of emissions measurements in the USA was discovered. The legal consequences of this affair have already cost VW over 32 billion euros. Four former VW managers were also recently found guilty of fraud; two of them received prison sentences of several years, while the other two were released on probation. Despite the serious allegations, all of the defendants rejected the allegations and announced partial appeals to the Federal Court of Justice.

What is particularly important is that the proceedings against former VW boss Martin Winterkorn were suspended for health reasons. Meanwhile, VW is fighting the data protection complaint in a separate lawsuit, although the company was only partially successful. Two out of five warnings have been lifted, while the key reprimand remains.

The events surrounding the diesel scandal and the associated data protection violations show that the process is far from over. The incident with the missing signature also illustrates how even formal errors can have significant financial consequences.

For further information about the fine case and the background, you can T Online and Motor vehicle operation visit.