South Korea fines, halts sales of VW cars for forged tests

South Korean Environmental Ministry official Hong Dong-kon shows samples of Audi and Volkswagen motor vehicles, right, forged certification documents during a press conference at the government complex in Sejong, South Korea, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016. South Korea has fined Volkswagen 17.8 billion won ($16 million) and suspended sales of 80 VW models, alleging the German carmaker fabricated documents on emissions or noise level tests. The letters read "Audi and Volkswagen forged certification documents." (Choe Yong-soo/Yonhap via AP) (The Associated Press)

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The Volkswagen emblem is seen on a vehicle in front of a dealership in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016. South Korea has fined Volkswagen 17.8 billion won ($16 million) and suspended sales of 80 VW models, alleging the German carmaker fabricated documents on emissions or noise level tests. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) (The Associated Press)

Women pass by banners advertising Volkswagen's Golf at a dealership in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016. South Korea has fined Volkswagen 17.8 billion won ($16 million) and suspended sales of 80 VW models, alleging the German carmaker fabricated documents on emissions or noise level tests. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) (The Associated Press)

South Korea has fined Volkswagen 17.8 billion won ($16 million) and suspended sales of 80 VW models, alleging the German carmaker fabricated documents on emissions or noise level tests.

Ministry of Environment official Hong Dong-kon said the government revoked Volkswagen's certifications effective Tuesday because submitting forged documents to authorities is against the law.

The South Korean government alleges that since 2007, Volkswagen AG has sold 83,000 units of Volkswagen, Audi and Bentley cars using the forged documents.

In November, South Korean authorities fined Volkswagen 14.1 billion won ($12.7 million) and banned sales of its diesel vehicles for outfitting them with software that distorted results of emissions tests. That issue is still under investigation.

Audi Volkswagen Korea did not respond to calls seeking comment.

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