VW Warned of Criminal Probe Despite $15bn US Settlement

US prosecutors warned Volkswagen and its suppliers they still faced a wide-ranging criminal investigation for their role in cheating emissions tests even as the carmaker agreed to pay $15.3bn in fines and environmental incentives. The most costly air pollution settlement in US history includes $10bn to buy back 475,000 affected cars, $2.7bn in fines to the Environmental Protection Agency and $2bn to promote zero emission technology. VW has agreed to pay $603m to 44 US states and other territories, to resolve claims in the scandal. The deal must still be approved by a federal judge in California. But while the justice department signed off on the agreement, Sally Yates, deputy attorney-general, said it was not the end of the government inquiry and federal prosecutors were “looking at multiple companies and multiple individuals” as part of their criminal probe. “The settlements do not address any potential criminal liability, although I can assure you our criminal investigation is active and ongoing,” said Ms Yates. “We’ll follow the facts wherever they go and make a determination about whether any companies or individuals should be criminally charged.” (FT)