German police arrest Audi CEO Rupert Stadler

The executive is reportedly being held over fears of potential evidence tampering.

Audi chief executive Rupert Stadler has been arrested by German police.

Munish prosecutors reportedly decided to detain Stadler over fears of potential evidence tampering, according to CNN.

The arrest represents the highest-ranking Volkswagen Group executive to be detained in the ongoing diesel-emissions scandal, which first emerged into public view three years ago.

The German automaker will undoubtedly face additional scrutiny over the arrest. The company has refused to release details of its internal investigation, though several workers were fired and management was restructured in response to the fiasco.

"The principle of the presumption of innocence continues to apply to Mr Stadler," VW spokesman Nicolai Laude said in a statement.