The Braunschweig public prosecutor’s office is convinced that former VW CEO Martin Winterkorn knew about emissions manipulation much earlier than he has previously stated. The defendant had been aware of the use of illegal software in the USA since May 2014 at the latest, it was said when the first indictment against the 77-year-old was read out in the Braunschweig regional court.

After May 2014, Winterkorn “neglectedly failed” to stop the sale of affected cars. Although he was aware of his duties as CEO, according to the indictment, he allowed cars to continue to be marketed in the USA with incorrect information. Prosecutors believe Winterkorn was responsible for just over 65,000 cars. The public prosecutor’s office estimated the damage at around 1.3 billion euros.

“Dieselgate” was uncovered in September 2015 by investigations by US environmental authorities and scientists and swept Winterkorn out of office. With his resignation, the board accepted political responsibility but denied any criminal conduct.

In the proceedings, the former corporate boss is accused of commercial fraud, market manipulation and perjury. Shortly before the start of the trial, Winterkorn’s defense rejected all accusations against their client. The presumption of innocence applies.