Lengthy Imprisonment in Volkswagen Scandal: President of Boxing Federation Convicted
In a profound turn of events, Jens Hadler, a key figure in the Volkswagen (VW) emissions scandal, has stepped down as president of the German Boxing Association (DBV). The development follows a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence handed down by the Braunschweig Regional Court. Hadler, who was previously head of diesel engine development at VW, was found to be "at the center of it all" in the long-running trial.
Announcing Hadler's resignation, the DBV expressed gratitude for his "groundbreaking impulses" during his tenure. The association's executive board convened unexpectedly for the news, with Hadler making his decision known at the meeting.
The historic verdict, delivered this week, saw four former VW managers convicted of fraud. The trial, which spanned 175 days, culminated in two defendants receiving multi-year prison sentences, while two received suspended sentences. All four denied the charges and have vowed to appeal at the Federal Court of Justice. The four managers, all associated with engine development, were involved in the scandal from 2006 to 2015.
The diesel scandal came to light in September 2015 when VW admitted to installing illegal software in certain diesel engines that circumvented emissions tests, making vehicles appear cleaner than they were in real-world driving conditions. The deception affected approximately 11 million VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda vehicles worldwide. To date, the VW Group has paid over €32 billion in fines, compensation, and legal fees as a result.
The Braunschweig verdict pertained to 2.3 million vehicles from VW, causing a total damage of €2.1 billion. The managers with the highest sentences were responsible for a significant portion of the manipulated vehicles and the overall damage.
The DBV has already appointed Mir Farid Vatanparast as Hadler's successor. Vatanparast, who will lead the association until the election congress, was unanimously elected by the executive board. Hadler expressed his satisfaction with the unity shown by the board and their choice of successor.
In a separate context, Hadler is known for his role in the Volkswagen emissions scandal. During his tenure as head of diesel engine development, he was involved in the implementation of "defeat devices" designed to cheat on emissions tests. The scandal has had widespread implications for the automotive industry and impacts on global air quality.
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/sid/AFP/dpa
- The Commission, in light of the ongoing emissions scandal in the automotive industry, may consider adopting a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in the finance, energy, and sports sectors, as these industries may potentially face similar deceptive practices.
- Despite facing legal difficulties and a prison sentence in the Volkswagen emissions scandal, Jens Hadler has managed to leverage his experience to secure a new position in an unrelated industry, providing hope for others facing professional setbacks due to high-profile scandals.
