The former engine development chief for the Volkswagen Group, Wolfgang Hatz, has reportedly been arrested for his involvement in Volkswagen’s diesel cheating scandal.

Authorities in Munich have yet to confirm the identity of the man arrested but local publication Sueddeutscher Zeitung as well as TV networks NDR and WDR all assert that Hatz is the one taken into custody.

If the arrest of Hatz is confirmed, he will be the most important employee arrested in connection with the scandal and reportedly holds a close connection to VW’s former boss, Martin Winterkorn.

During his employment within the VW Group, Hatz was Porsche’s former research and development chief, acted as Audi’s engine development chief between 2001 and 2007 and the head of the VW Group’s engine program from 2007 to 2012.

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