VW accused of spying on Porsche with babyphone

Posted Mon Apr 28 2008 9:57 AM by Alex Kaufmann

Police in Germany are investigating a possible industrial espionage case involving Volkswagen spying on Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking. According to German media, VW personal used a baby-phone hidden behind a sofa located in a hotel room Wiedeking was staying in during a trip for a VW supervisory board meeting.

Germany’s Der Spiegel was first to break the news and has reported that Porsche’s union boss, Uwe Hueck, also had his phone tapped and was talking to police. Local Police authorities have since confirmed they are investigating the case after a formal complaint was made by Porsche.

The allegations come as Porsche is about to increase its stake in VW beyond the current 31% to a majority holding. Standing in Porsche’s way is the German state of Lower Saxony, which still holds a 20% stake in VW. All three parties are currently locked in a battle over plans to change a rule under which "significant decisions" would require the approval of more than 80% of shareholders.

Reader Comments

Mon Apr 28 2008 11:43 AM
Renton says

They have to know when his diaper needs changing.
Mon Apr 28 2008 12:22 PM
Gus says

Wasn't there some sort of thing with looking at a laptop a while ago with spying and VW?
Mon Apr 28 2008 1:01 PM
chris says

this sounds like a bad (werent they all) episode of hogans heros.

those goofy germans are spying on their own share holders with baby monitors.
Mon Apr 28 2008 3:36 PM
Gus says

"Fritz! Was ist dass hier? Wo ist mein BabyPhone!!!!???"
Mon Apr 28 2008 5:36 PM
chris says

HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Mon Apr 28 2008 8:24 PM
Stephen says

I can't believe Porsche is actually filing a complaint. Seriously what could have these "VW spies" have overheard? The Porsche CEO ordering room service? Or...what if he decided to pull a Max Mosley?! Oh that would rich!

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