Audi Volkswagen, which was controversial over the diesel-gate scandal, was sanctioned by the Ministry of Environment after excessive cadmium was detected in parts charged for vehicles. Cadmium is a leading carcinogen and the ministry imposed a fine on Audi.
The ministry said on Feb. 22 that it imposed a 30 million won fine as cadmium was found to be excessive in parts charged with Audi Volkswagen. The problem is that Audi's e-tron charger, which was brought in before the release.
The ministry has been investigating Audi Volkswagen since January on charges of violating the resource circulation act, including electronic products.
Under the current law, 30 million won is the upper limit for fines. Even if products that exceed the criteria for containing harmful substances are distributed, the resource circulation act calls for fines of up to 30 million won.
Meanwhile, Audi Volkswagen was embroiled in a controversy over allegedly manipulating emission gas, called the diesel-gate scandal.
It was found that the vehicles were distributed around the world by applying illegal software to stop the operation of the emission gas reduction system, and that 120,000 vehicles were manipulated in South Korea. As the recall has yet to be completed, civil lawsuits have been held for four years now, mainly for the victims.