Sellafield prosecution over IT security allegations

The ONR said there is no evidence public safety was compromised

Sellafield is to be prosecuted for alleged IT security offences, according to the nuclear regulator.

The charges relate to a four-year period between 2019 and early 2023, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) said.

The ONR added there was no suggestion public safety had been compromised as a result of the claims.

Sellafield, located in west Cumbria, said it had been notified of the ONR's intention to prosecute and was unable to comment further.

The site is run by Sellafield Ltd under the control of the government's Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

In the past, its activities included generating electricity and reprocessing spent fuel. Now it is mainly used for the treatment and storage of nuclear waste.

It employs 11,000 people - many of whom are engaged in maintaining or decommissioning redundant buildings and equipment.

In December, after an investigation by The Guardian, Sellafield denied reports that its IT networks had been attacked by cyber groups linked to Russia and China.

The ONR said the decision to bring legal proceedings followed an investigation, and details of the first court hearing would be announced when available.

Sellafield said: "The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)’s Civil Nuclear Security and Safeguards (CNSS) has notified us of its intention to prosecute the company relating to alleged past nuclear industry security regulations compliance.

"As the issue is now the subject of active court proceedings, we are unable to comment further."