The company pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges for violating the federal Clean Air Act and defrauding the United States by tampering with the emissions control systems of diesel trucks. As part of the penalties, Sinister will pay a $500,000 criminal fine and $500,000 in civil penalties. Furthermore, it is now prohibited from manufacturing or selling these cheat devices and must destroy any remaining stock.
The U.S. Attorney, Phil Talbert, emphasized the detrimental impact of these devices on air quality and public health, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. He reaffirmed his office's commitment to prosecuting those who prioritize profit over the environment and public well-being.
Court documents revealed that a significant portion of Sinister's revenue came from these illegal products, with over 39,000 defeat kits sold between October 2015 and July 2017. Shockingly, nearly 36,000 of these kits disabled a truck's exhaust gas recirculation systems. Sinister not only advised customers on how to remove the cheat products to pass emissions tests but also provided instructions on reinstalling them afterwards.
Despite some attempts to label their products for racing or off-road use, the company was well aware that the majority of buyers used the delete products on public roads, not racetracks.
Source: The Sacramento Bee