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VW sentenced to probation, oversight

Posted on 23 April, 2017

A Detroit federal judge sentence Volkswagen AG to three years’ probation and oversight over the weekend as part of the $6.1 billion settlement first announced in January. An independent monitor will oversee Volkswagen's American operations in one of the last major legal judgements since the scandal broke in September 2015. "This is a case of deliberate and massive fraud," US district judge Sean Cox said in his ruling. Cox also approved the $4 billion criminal fine as part of the settlement. Volkswagen has agreed to spend up to $35 billion in the US to settle buyback and repair claims from car owners, states, dealers and environmental regulators. General counsel Manfred Doess said Volkwagen "deeply regrets the behaviour that gave rise to this case. Plain and simple, it was wrong.” The US Justice Department has also selected the car maker’s independent monitor. Former deputy US attorney general Larry Thompson was announced over the weekend. Seven current and former Volkswagen executives have been charged in relation to the emissions scandal, with one executive awaiting trial in custody and another pleading guilty and agreeing to cooperate with authorities. "We have worked tirelessly to address the misconduct that took place within our company and make things right for our affected customers," The car maker said in a statement following the sentencing. "Volkswagen today is not the same company it was 19 months ago."