HANNOVER/WOLFSBURG (dpa-AFX) - The investigation by the Hanover public prosecutor's office into Continental 's role in the VW diesel scandal could now make decisive progress after a long investigation thanks to statements by an insider. "A defendant has testified in detail," prosecutors said Friday. "He can now make use of a leniency program."

No further details were initially given - but the man's move could lead to allegations against other suspected participants being substantiated. At issue is the question of whether senior Conti employees knew that Volkswagen was using software to manipulate emissions control readings for diesel cars. The scandal first came to light in the USA in the fall of 2015.

A Continental spokesman explained that none of the 61 accused according to the prosecution authorities now work for the Dax corporation. Moreover, investigations into violations of supervisory duties were not directed against acting members of the supervisory body.

Prosecutors in the Conti/VW case are investigating, among other things, the suspicion that aiding and abetting fraud may have been committed. According to corporate sources, several of the accused worked for the former Siemens car division VDO, which Continental took over in 2007. The company is also conducting internal investigations - long-time CFO Wolfgang Schäfer had resigned in 2021 because irregularities had come to light in the Hanover-based company's own audits of the "VW diesel issue."

According to current CFO Katja Dürrfeld, provisions for liability risks and possible fines were in the "higher double-digit millions" in March. Beyond that, management did not comment further on possible diesel entanglements at Conti's annual shareholder meeting on Thursday because of the ongoing proceedings. CEO Nikolai Setzer said in general terms, "We are drawing consequences." As of May, former Mercedes manager Olaf Schick will head a new department for integrity and legal affairs on the board./jap/DP/nas