Former EDF CEO Henri Proglio under investigation for corruption

Henri Proglio, ex-CEO of EDF, is under investigation for corruption and misuse of corporate assets.

Share:

Corruption enquête Henri Proglio

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Henri Proglio, former CEO ofEDF, already on trial in May for disputed contracts during his term of office, is the subject of a new investigation into allegations of corruption and misuse of corporate assets, a judicial source revealed on Tuesday. Henri Proglio’s home and office, located in a building belonging to EDF in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, were searched on September 14, 2023. This action is part of a preliminary investigation launched at the end of 2022 by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF), following a Tracfin tip-off.

Offences covered and evidence gathered

The investigation targets serious charges such as corruption, corruption laundering, abuse of corporate assets, and tax fraud laundering. Notably, 300,000 euros in cash were found in a bank safe, intensifying suspicions about Henri Proglio Consulting’s activities.

International contract context

The investigators are particularly interested in the consulting contracts Proglio has won in Russia and Congo-Brazzaville. These contracts are examined to determine the legality of their procurement and the source of funds.

Legal and defense implications

Henri Proglio, along with his former General Secretary at EDF, Alain Tchernonog, and a dozen consultants, will be tried for favoritism by the criminal court from May 21 to June 6. Six other consultants have already been convicted since the beginning of 2023 in connection with this case, in court appearances based on prior recognition of guilt (CRPC).

Reactions and future challenges

Despite the accusations, Henri Proglio remains a member of Rosatom’s international board. His lawyer, Jean-Pierre Mignard, said he could not comment on the ongoing investigation, as he did not have access to the complete file.

The Proglio affair reveals the complexities and challenges of fighting corruption in the upper echelons of French public companies, raising questions about ethics and governance in key sectors.

A sudden fault on the national grid cut electricity supply to several regions of Nigeria, reigniting concerns about the stability of the transmission system.
Re-elected president Irfaan Ali announces stricter production-sharing agreements to increase national economic returns.
Coal India issues tenders to develop 5 GW of renewable capacity, split between solar and wind, as part of its long-term energy strategy.
US utilities anticipate a rapid increase in high-intensity loads, targeting 147 GW of new capacity by 2035, with a strategic shift toward deregulated markets.
France opens a national consultation on RTE’s plan to invest €100 billion by 2040 to modernise the high-voltage electricity transmission grid.
Governor Gavin Newsom orders state agencies to fast-track clean energy projects to capture Inflation Reduction Act credits before deadlines expire.
Germany’s energy transition could cost up to €5.4tn ($6.3tn) by 2049, according to the main industry organisation, raising concerns over national competitiveness.
Facing blackouts imposed by the authorities, small businesses in Iran record mounting losses amid drought, fuel shortages and pressure on the national power grid.
Russian group T Plus plans to stabilise its electricity output at 57.6 TWh in 2025, despite a decline recorded in the first half of the year, according to Chief Executive Officer Pavel Snikkars.
In France, the Commission de régulation de l’énergie issues a clarification on ten statements shared over the summer, correcting several figures regarding tariffs, production and investments in the electricity sector.
A group of 85 researchers challenges the scientific validity of the climate report released by the US Department of Energy, citing partial methods and the absence of independent peer review.
Five energy infrastructure projects have been added to the list of cross-border renewable projects, making them eligible for financial support under the CEF Energy programme.
The Tanzanian government launches a national consultation to accelerate the rollout of compressed natural gas, mobilising public and private financing to secure energy supply and lower fuel costs.
The Kuwaiti government has invited three international consortia to submit bids for the first phase of the Al Khairan project, combining power generation and desalination.
Nigeria’s state-owned oil company abandons plans to sell the Port Harcourt refinery and confirms a maintenance programme despite high operating costs.
The publication of the Multiannual Energy Programme decree, awaited for two years, is compromised by internal political tensions, jeopardising strategic investments in nuclear and renewables.
The US Energy Information Administration reschedules or cancels several publications, affecting the availability of critical data for oil, gas and renewables markets.
Brazilian authorities have launched a large-scale operation targeting a money laundering system linked to the fuel sector, involving investment funds, fintechs, and more than 1,000 service stations across the country.
A national study by the Davies Group reveals widespread American support for the simultaneous development of both renewable and fossil energy sources, with strong approval for natural gas and solar energy.
The South Korean government compels ten petrochemical groups to cut up to 3.7 million tons of naphtha cracking per year, tying financial and tax support to swift and documented restructuring measures.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.