German investigators raided the offices of carmaker Audi AG's headquarters and its manufacturing facility in Neckarsulm, Germany, on Feb. 6 in connection with the suspected manipulation of emissions tests on diesel vehicles, Reuters reported.
The prosecutors' office also searched several private residences as part of its probe, which relates to suspected fraud and illegal advertising in connection with the sale of at least 210,000 vehicles in Europe and the U.S. since 2009. "Now the focus of investigators is on the use of technical means to manipulate the emissions levels of 3-litre V6 diesel engines intended for the European market," the office said.
Authorities also said 14 people are suspects for their role in the sale of Audi diesel engines in the U.S. None of the individuals in question are former or current management board members, Reuters reported.
In late January, Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority ordered a recall of more than 100,000 vehicles after the agency discovered illicit emission-control software in Audi's latest Euro-6 diesel models.
