Throughout the trial, the defendants expressed emotional exhaustion and criticized the prosecution, arguing they had been unfairly targeted.

The trial spanned nearly four years, with court sessions held twice a week, and included around 170 hearings and 150 witness testimonies.

Prosecutors alleged that the defendants played significant roles in developing and implementing the emissions manipulation software, leading to a blame game among the accused.

This verdict marks the end of a lengthy legal process, during which the defendants maintained their innocence and claimed they were scapegoats.

On May 26, 2025, a German court in Braunschweig sentenced two former Volkswagen executives to prison for their roles in the Dieselgate emissions scandal, concluding a nearly four-year fraud trial.

Judge Christian Schütz emphasized that the executives failed to inform authorities about significantly higher emissions during real-world conditions, which was illegal.

The court found that the executives were aware of extensive emissions data manipulation affecting millions of vehicles, indicating a deliberate effort to deceive regulators.

The presiding judge noted the complexity of the case, highlighting that many witnesses provided misleading testimonies, some of whom were involved in the scandal themselves.

The ruling is viewed as a critical step in restoring public trust in the automotive industry and aims to deter similar misconduct in the future.

Economic crime, particularly in the Volkswagen case, often receives less media attention compared to sensational crimes, despite its significant impact.

All four executives have the option to appeal the verdict, which stems from a trial that began in September 2021.

The conspiracy to deceive regulators reportedly began in May 2006 and continued until 2015, focusing on the sale of diesel vehicles in the U.S.