OREANDA-NEWS. February 11, 2013. The Investigative Unit of the Main Department of the Russian Ministry of Interior in the Urals Federal District initiated a criminal case against an individual entrepreneur Eske, “Sirius” Ltd., and “Blits” Ltd. upon the fact of concluding an anti-cartel agreement for the purposes of maintaining prices at open auctions organized in the electronic form (Sub-Clauses “a”, “b” Part 2 Article 178 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.   

On 6th April 2012, the Commission of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS Russia) found that an individual entrepreneur Eske, “Sirius” Ltd., and “Blits” Ltd. violated Clause 2 Part 1 Article 11 of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition” – concluding and participating in the agreement which resulted in maintaining prices at auctions.

The agreement was implemented at eight open electronic auctions for purchasing food products for the state needs. Participants to the agreement concerted to implement the strategy of conduct at the auctions excluding participation of bona fide bidders. It enabled them to maintain the maximum possible price level.

“Initiating yet another criminal case against cartel participants confirms that today criminal persecution for violations of the antimonopoly law is a reality”, commented the Head of FAS Anti-Cartel Department, Alexander Kinyov.