The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) initiated explanatory proceedings and conducted searches at the premises of four companies – Kia car dealers – in connection with the suspicion of a prohibited agreement, the Office reported. Suspected activities of entrepreneurs may result, inter alia, in higher vehicle prices.
“We suspect that there may have been unlawful arrangements regarding the division of the market, as well as price and tender collusion. I have decided to initiate an investigation and search the premises of entities that may be responsible for the arrangements. The searches were carried out after obtaining the consent of the court and with the support of the police. We are currently analyzing the collected material, it undoubtedly has a significant evidential value,” said President Tomasz Chróstny.
Explanatory proceedings are conducted in the case, not against specific entrepreneurs. If the collected material confirms the suspicions, the President of the Office will initiate anti-monopoly proceedings and bring charges against specific entities. Participation in an agreement restricting competition is subject to a financial penalty of up to 10% of the entrepreneur’s turnover. Managers responsible for the conclusion of the collusion, in turn, face a fine of up to PLN 2 million, it was also reported.
Source: ISBnews and UOKiK
