Former Volkswagen CEO Winterkorn’s diesel scandal trial suspended by German court

FRANKFURT, Germany – The trial of former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has been temporarily suspended by a German court. Winterkorn faces charges related to fraud and market manipulation due to the carmaker’s use of fraudulent software allowing diesel-engine cars to cheat on emissions tests. The court in Braunschweig decided to pause the proceedings after Winterkorn, 78, was reported to be in poor health and unable to stand trial due to an undisclosed health issue.

The court confirmed the suspension of the trial and indicated that it was due to a temporary health impediment blocking Winterkorn from appearing in court. The court will even engage an expert to evaluate the situation to determine whether the proceedings can resume once Winterkorn’s health improves. Winterkorn’s trial began in September 2024 but was quickly halted shortly after due to the former CEO’s accident.

Under German criminal procedure, a court can temporarily halt proceedings when the accused is absent or faces personal obstacles that prevent a trial from continuing for an extended period. Winterkorn has been accused by prosecutors of being aware of the illegal software before the U.S. EPA exposed the violation in September 2015. Winterkorn stepped down just days after the announcement, claiming that he learned about the misconduct shortly before the revelations and denied the allegations in legal hearings.

Earlier this year, four former Volkswagen executives were found guilty of fraud, with two individuals receiving prison sentences for their involvement in the emissions scandal. The head of diesel development received a four-and-a-half-year prison term, while the head of drive train electronics was sentenced to two years and seven months in jail. Two others were handed suspended sentences of 15 months and 10 months each. Volkswagen has already paid over $33 billion in fines and compensation related to the scandal.