German prosecutors examining whether Daimler manipulated emission tests on its diesel vehicles have connection with auto components provider Bosch, in the supposed fraud, it was confirmed on Friday.
“There is an investigation into aiding and abetting fraud,” a representative for the Stuttgart prosecutor stated about Bosch, following a media report released on Thursday.
The new probe targets unidentified individuals at the supplier, the spokesman for the public prosecutor’s workplace said.
The spokesperson added that the Bosch investigation began a few weeks earlier and was connected to the continuing probe of Daimler.
Bosch and Daimler are both based in Stuttgart.
Bosch is a supplier of engine management software application to Daimler and prosecutors are examining whether the automaker used prohibited software to cheat emissions tests.
Recently, Stuttgart prosecutors investigated Daimler’s offices and other facilities in the course of examinations “against known and unidentified workers at Daimler who are suspected of scams and deceptive advertising associated with manipulated emissions treatment of diesel automobile.”
On Friday a spokesman for Bosch stated, “As a matter of policy, and because of the sensitive legal nature of these matters, Bosch will not comment further concerning matters under investigation and in litigation.”
