BERLIN, (Reuters) – German carmaker Volkswagen said Sunday that it would seriously investigate Brazil’s public prosecutors over alleged human rights violations. The allegations were reported in German media.

Volkswagen sent an email statement to confirm that it took the potential events at Fazenda Brazil Cristalino, which is the subject of the Brazilian investigating authorities’ investigation, “very seriously”. This was referring to the Brazilian cattle farm.

On Sunday, the Sueddeutsche Zeitung and NDR reported that Brazil was investigating allegations of violations of human rights at the farm in 1974-1986, when Brazil’s military dictatorship reigned.

NDR reported that Brazil’s military government offered VW land for purchase and development.

VW stated, “Please be aware that we will not make any further comments due to the possibility of legal proceedings in Brazil.”