FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Germany prosecutors are saying their probe of former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn is ongoing and won't be affected by the charges brought against him in the United States.

Klaus Ziehe, spokesman for the prosecutors in Braunschweig, said that "we have taken account of the U.S. indictment, but it will not change our investigatory approach."

Prosecutors in Braunschweig are investigating Winterkorn and 48 others in connection with the emissions scandal. U.S. authorities charged Winterkorn on Thursday with fraud and conspiracy in connect with use of illegal software used to cheat on U.S. diesel emissions tests.

Winterkorn's U.S. attorney, Steven Molo, said that "we are reviewing the allegations and will take appropriate actions."

Winterkorn said when he resigned from the company that he was not aware of any wrongdoing on his part.