OREANDA-NEWS. January 21, 2011. The Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service in Moscow (OFAS Russia) issued a determination to fine “Dmitrovskie Ovoschi” Ltd. 4,786,396 Rubles for violating Part 1 Article 11 of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition (agreements and concerted actions), reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.

Moscow OFAS Russia continues administrative proceedings against cartel participants: “Dmitrovskie Ovoschi” Ltd., “GIGIEYA” Trading House” Ltd., “Frutovit” Ltd. and “Ditrade” TK” Ltd. The fact of the collusion is established by No.7-62/2009 decision.

In spring 2010 Moscow OFAS Russia established the fact of collusion between “Dmitrovskie Ovoschi” Ltd., “GIGIEYA” Trading House” Ltd., “Frutovit” Ltd. and “Ditrade” TK” Ltd. in an open auction for the government contracts for supplies of peeled potatoes and vegetables harvested in 2009.

Moscow OFAS Russia identified no signs of rivalry between the auction bidders, which is corroborated by the minimum percentage of reducing the original lot prices and is not typical for open auctions.

The bidding led to only 0.5-1% price reduction, while typically reduction on similar lots is on average 10-15%. Moscow OFAS Russia also believes that the bidders have contract relations or affiliated with each other.

The antimonopoly body initiated administrative proceedings against each violator.

On 17th January 2010 “GIGIEYA” Trading House” Ltd. was fined 172,241 Rubles. On 17th January 2011 “Dmitrovskie Ovoschi” Ltd. was fined 4,786,396 Rubles.

“Dmitrovskie Ovoschi” Ltd., “GIGIEYA” Trading House” Ltd., “Frutovit” Ltd. and “Ditrade” TK” Ltd. challenged the decision of the antimonopoly body. The Court of First Instance supported the position of Moscow OFAS Russia regarding all suppliers.