One of the frustrations some people express in class action lawsuits is that the people responsible never seem to get jail time. In this massive recall, however, there may be an exception.
The FBI has arrested a Volkswagen AG executive in Florida for his alleged role in the scandal, which involved emissions-cheating software on diesel vehicles. He’s been charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. The man was formerly the top emissions compliance manager for Volkswagen in the United States.
The man, Oliver Schmidt, played a central role in trying to convince legislators that the problem was a technical glitch and not deliberate alteration of the software to change engine settings during emissions tests so they would pass. A former engineer has already pled guilty to making the alterations to the code, but this is the first time a high-level decision maker has been arrested in the scandal by the United States.
Volkswagen has declined to comment on the arrest but did say they are fully cooperating with the DOJ to reach a settlement agreement. Volkswagen has angered governments, dealers, and customers worldwide with their actions.
Did you buy a Volkswagen diesel vehicle and were hit by the recall? Are you still waiting on parts, or want to resell your vehicle? Contact John Foy & Associates today to learn your legal options in this massive scandal.