Prosecutors, 'Volkswagen Emissions Manipulation' Former Executive Fined 150 Million Won

[Financial News] Prosecutors have demanded a fine of 150 million won for Trevor Hill, former general manager of Audi Volkswagen Korea, who was put on trial for manipulating Volkswagen emissions.
On the 24th, at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Agreement Division 31 (Presiding Judge Park Jun-seok), prosecutors requested the court to impose this fine during the closing arguments of Hill's case for violating the Air Quality Conservation Act.
In response, Hill's side argued that "(he is) a typical professional manager" and "as a business administration major, he was not involved in issues related to the Air Quality Conservation Act or certification."
The court stated, "The accomplice has also been acquitted by the Supreme Court," but added, "It cannot be assumed that Hill will naturally be acquitted as well." They further explained, "The difference in status between Hill and the accomplices is a key issue."
The court has set the sentencing date for September 18.
Previously, Hill and Johannes Thammer, former general manager, were indicted in January 2017 for manipulating emissions. In September 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency revealed Volkswagen's emissions manipulation, and the following January, the Korean Ministry of Environment filed a complaint, prompting a prosecutor's investigation.
The investigation concluded that Audi Volkswagen Korea imported and sold about 120,000 manipulated Euro 5 standard Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars in Korea from 2008 to 2015. The cars were equipped with dual software that recognized test mode in the vehicle's internal system, ensuring emissions standards were met only during indoor tests, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors initially charged Hill with violating the Air Quality Conservation Act, and later added charges for advertising that Volkswagen diesel passenger cars exceeding standards had met them.
The court referred Hill to a formal trial considering the seriousness of the case, but the trial was suspended for years due to his absence. Hill did not attend the closing arguments on this day either.  

scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter