A Swedish prosecutor has declared that he had opened preliminary fraud investigation into Volkswagen with regards to the German maker's emissions test cheating scandal.
Volkswagen has reportedly admitted to using software that covers the level of toxic emissions from some of its diesel cars and SUVs. This also includes some recent models like the VW owned Audi and Porsche brands. To date, this cheating scandal has affected more than 11 million vehicles worldwide.
"The National Unit Against Corruption has decided to initiate a preliminary investigation regarding serious fraud and the keeping of false records. The investigation will also address the conditions for the imposition of a corporate fine," the prosecutors' office stated in a press release.
Purportedly, the Swedish prosecutors stated that Volkswagen's Swedish branch is ready to cooperate in the investigation.
As per Business Standard, the investigation will examine diesel models imported to Sweden between year 2009 and 2015. Back in September, the company totalled about 225,000 cars imported to the country, including about 104,000 cars of the Volkswagen brand, 57,000 Audis, 28,000 Skodas, 2,000 Seats and 33,000 Volkswagen trucks. All of these vehicles were equipped with the emission cheating software that allows the vehicles to release more nitrogen oxide on the road without being too detectable.
While it was reported that the company is ready to cooperate, a spokeswoman for Volkswagen in Sweden denied the Swedish branch is guilty of the accusations.
Sweden is purportedly one of the few countries where Volkswagen beat its previous sales records in 2015, while its worldwide sales volumes fell for the first time in 2002.
Currently, a federal judge in California is overseeing over 500 lawsuits filed against the German automaker in relation to this scandal.
The U.S. Justice Department has also sued Volkswagen last week under the Clean Air Act with charges amounting to $46 billion. Additionaly, the company also faces investigations by 47 state attorneys general.
If found guilty, Volkswagen is expected to face billions of dollars on corporate fines.
