EDF maintenance sector under investigation for corruption

The French National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) conducted a large-scale operation on Tuesday involving searches at several companies within the nuclear maintenance sector. The investigation focuses on suspected corruption, organized fraud, money laundering, and anti-competitive agreements regarding access to nuclear power plant maintenance contracts.

Investigators targeted several companies and the residences of employees and agents of the state-owned energy group EDF. EDF has confirmed the searches and stated that it considers itself a potential victim of these practices. The company indicated it is cooperating fully with judicial authorities.

The operation involved multiple agencies, including the Grenoble research section, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), and various judicial police units. Notably, the searches did not include the Flamanville nuclear plant or its subcontractors in Normandy, despite ongoing maintenance work at that site.