Germany: Police raid Volkswagen headquarters

In an attempt to obtain documents and digital data that could help in identifying those responsible for the Volkswagen emissions scandal, German police have raided the company's headquarters and taken away files and hard disks. Volkswagen has confirmed that it has handed over documents to the authorities.

Police also raided the private apartments in Volkswagen's hometown of Wolfsburg and other cities. Many individuals are being investigated as a part of the process.

The authorities aim to gather evidence that "can provide information about the exact conduct of company employees and their identities in the manipulation of exhaust emissions of diesel vehicles".

Last month, Volkswagen revealed that 11 million diesel vehicles had been fitted with a defeat device that enabled them to dodge emission norms. This is the deepest crisis in the company's history.

Volkswagen now faces big fines and lawsuits. The scandal has tarnished its image worldwide and has resulted in its CEO and other high-level officials being replaced.

Source: Times of India