EnBW reports blackmail attempt

Nuclear plant operator EnBW has reported a blackmail attempt by a former employee of a company involved in constructing the Neckarwestheim 2 nuclear plant to the German authorities. According to a company statement, the unnamed man claimed there had been "irregularities" in the assembly of anchor plates at the plant and had told the company on 26 May that he had been offered money by a third party to confirm this. EnBW's representatives "gained the impression" that the individual was trying to induce the company to pay him in order not to publish the allegations. Accordingly, the company has reported the incident to the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy for the state of Baden-Württemberg and to state prosecutors on suspicion of extortion. EnBW says it has investigated the allegations and found no evidence of any irregularities. Test reports and statements from plant constructors at the time the plant was built bear out their findings, the company says. Anchor plates are used to secure components to walls or ceilings, and are set in concrete during construction.