Sweden has launched a criminal investigation against German automaker Volkswagen related to the emissions scandal which has affected up to 11 million vehicles worldwide, a prosecutor announced Tuesday.
Volkswagen faces billions of dollars in claims after it admitted to using software to cheat on diesel emissions tests in the U.S. The software was included in more than 11 million vehicles sold since the 2009 model year, as well as some recent diesel models sold by Audi and Porsche brands. Among those, it's believed 225,000 such cars were imported to Sweden, according to the AFP.
Sweden's National Unit Against Corruption indicated that the investigation was regarding preliminary charges of fraud and false documents, Volkswagen could face corporate fines if found guilty.
"The investigation will also address the conditions for the imposition of a corporate fine," it said in a press release, according to Reuters.
Sweden was one of the few countries where the automaker did well last year. While sales volumes fell worldwide, marking the first time it had done so since 2002, Volkswagen beat its previous sales records in Sweden.
Volkswagen's Swedish branch said it will cooperate with the investigation, reported the Associated Press. However, it has denied being guilty of the accusations.
