Yahoo TV

German prosecutors searched Fiat Chrysler and CNH Industrial offices on Wednesday (July 22), as part of a fraud investigation over emissions.

Authorities have targeted potentially illegal emissions software found in engines used in a number of vehicles.

They include Fiat Chrysler's Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Jeep vehicles.

CNH's Iveco trucks have also been investigated.

Prosecutors said engines in these vehicles have been found to contain potentially illegal engine management software to mask excessive pollution levels.

The investigation targets nine individuals living in Italy who are said to work for an 'international carmaker'.

It wants to establish their role in putting cars equipped with the software on public roads.

The searches were in Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

Both Fiat Chrysler and CNH said investigators visited European offices after a request by German magistrates.

They said they were cooperating fully with authorities.

The potentially illegal software has been detected in 1.3 liter Multijet and 1.6 liter Multijet engines used in Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Fiat.

It has also been found in commercial diesel engines used in Iveco and Fiat vehicles.

Prosecutors said these cars passed pollution tests in a lab.

But they also allege the vehicles used software to largely switch off exhaust emissions filtering while driving on the road.