Braunschweig Court Delays VW Diesel Fraud Trial Following Defendant's Absence

The legal fallout from the Volkswagen "Dieselgate" emissions scandal continues to face major judicial hurdles in Germany. Over a decade after regulators uncovered systemic software manipulation designed to cheat diesel emissions tests, ongoing criminal proceedings at the Braunschweig Regional Court highlight the persistent difficulties of bringing high-profile corporate fraud cases to a close.

The Background of "Dieselgate":

The scandal broke into the open in September 2015, when US environmental authorities revealed that Volkswagen had installed specialized "defeat device" software in millions of diesel vehicles worldwide. This software could detect when a car was undergoing official laboratory testing and artificially reduce nitrogen oxide emissions to compliant levels. During normal on-road driving, however, the systems deactivated, causing emissions to exceed legal limits by up to 40 times.

The crisis plunged Volkswagen into an unprecedented corporate emergency, triggering multi-billion-dollar regulatory fines, sweeping civil litigation, massive vehicle recalls, and a permanent blow to the reputation of diesel automotive engineering. Globally, the total cost of the scandal to the automaker has surpassed €30 billion ($34 billion).

The Braunschweig Proceedings and Recent Stalls:

While previous components of the legal battle resulted in high-profile judgments, including the May 2025 conviction of four former VW managers on fraud charges, subsequent major trials involving middle and upper management have encountered repeated delays.

1. The prosecution alleges the three defendants co-developed illegal software between 2006 and 2015 to manipulate emissions testing. They claim the defendants sought to deceive authorities and customers in Europe and the USA to increase Volkswagen's profits, which influenced their own bonus payments.

2. On November 2, 2026, the Braunschweig Regional Court ruled the defendant's absence unexcused. Prosecutors stated they will request an arrest warrant if the defendant remains absent without a valid excuse. The court has scheduled the next trial date for the three defendants for November 5, 2026.

3. A separate trial involving seven former VW executives and employees is scheduled to begin on November 24, 2026.

4. Seven defendants face charges in an upcoming trial regarding illegal defeat device software. Prosecutors claim the defendants knew about the software. The indictment also charges them with failing to prevent the installation and sale of manipulated vehicles.

5. State prosecutors strongly opposed suspending the session, arguing that the absence lacked formal, court-approved medical validation. They warned that if the defendant fails to provide verified justification or show up for upcoming proceedings, they will officially move for an international arrest warrant.

1. The defense requested a temporary suspension of the proceedings against the former Volkswagen (VW) manager on November 2, 2026. The lawyer stated that his client is in Austria and cannot travel because of severe back problems.

2. The trial schedule is under pressure. Each current and upcoming case will last more than 150 days. The proceedings will extend until December 31, 2028.

3. A key defendant failed to appear in court. This absence complicates the multi-year proceedings.