12.01.201700:22:00UTC+00Volkswagen ordered to pay $4.3 billion fine as six executives indicted

Volkswagen AG was charged to resolve a $4.3 billion penalty, while six ex-executives are being indicted for the alleged participation in mounting a decade-long plot in the 2015 emissions scandal.

US attorney general Loretta Lynch said Wednesday the VW pleaded guilty to mislead the United States, breach the American pollution rules, and commit wire fraud. It also admitted importing products by false statements.

The automaker was asked to pay a $1.5 billion in a civil settlement and a $2.8 billion criminal penalty. It will also be subjected to an independent monitor to supervise its ethics and compliance plan and a three-year probation.

Lynch also said the accused men held vital positions at VW such as overseeing the carmaker's engine development unit and joining the management board.