Abbeville Company Pays $920K Settlement Over Allegations of Faking Tests on Military Cables
Columbia — A cable company based in Abbeville has agreed to pay a hefty $920,000 settlement following allegations that it falsified and neglected to perform crucial tests on military cables.
Prysmian Cables and Systems specializes in producing various fibers, connectivity systems, and cables. The company, which labels itself as a “global cable player leading the energy transition and digital transformation,” has operations in more than 50 countries, including a plant in Abbeville and a research and development center in Lexington.
M13486 Military Cable Under Scrutiny
One of the cables Prysmian manufactures is the M13486, used in military vehicles. According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, this cable is required to undergo standardized testing. However, Prysmian allegedly submitted falsified test results and false certifications of compliance instead of performing the required tests.
The alleged deception occurred from approximately 2005 to 2021 at the company’s facility in Paragould, Arkansas, which Prysmian acquired in 2018.
Significant Risk to America’s Warfighters
Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan Settle from the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General emphasized that producing defective products, especially for military use, poses a significant risk. “Defense Criminal Investigative Service remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the Justice Department to hold accountable those who commit fraudulent activity that impacts the Department of Defense,” said Settle.
The exposure came to light in early 2021 when a Defense Logistics Agency employee noticed discrepancies in Prysmian’s manufacturing and testing dates. This prompted an internal investigation by Prysmian, leading to the firing of four employees related to the incident.
Steps Taken and Repurchase of Suspect Cable
Prysmian took significant measures to address the issue, including terminating its quality manager, quality systems coordinator, quality engineer, and product development supervisor. The company also repurchased all suspect cable that had been distributed and made a mandatory disclosure.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton reaffirmed the importance of accountability. “We will hold accountable government contractors who knowingly fail to perform required services or misrepresent their performance of such services, including mandatory testing requirements,” Boynton stated.
Abbeville Facility’s Role in Renewable Power Construction
Prysmian has been operating its Abbeville facility since 1964, producing low and medium voltage power cables. The company highlights this plant as “a leading supplier for the construction of renewable power facilities throughout North America.”
