![](https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/5-BID-RIGGING-IN-PUBLIC-PROCUREMENT-May-Reda-Ibrahim.jpg)
The BCA’s investigation revealed that these companies distorted competition in the fire protection services market through bid rigging, violating both Belgian and European competition laws. The implicated companies have acknowledged their misconduct and accepted the settlement terms proposed by the BCA’s Investigation and Prosecution Service.
BCA Prosecutor General Damien Gerard highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “The prosecution of bid rigging practices is a top priority for the BCA. These are among the most serious infringements of the competition rules. In the present case, the practices are particularly regrettable in view of their duration and the essential nature of the products in question for ensuring public safety, as well as the identity of the victims, which include schools, municipalities, assistance centers, social housing and public transport companies. What is positive is that the companies involved have recognized the seriousness of the facts and the ANSUL/SOMATI FIE group has taken the initiative of proposing a system of compensation for the victims.”
The cartel’s operation involved ANSUL, SOMATI FIE, and SICLI dividing public procurement contracts among themselves. This was achieved by refraining from bidding against each other or by submitting intentionally high bids, ensuring the predetermined company would win the contract.
In response to these violations, the BCA imposed a fine of €2.2 million on the SICLI fire protection group. Due to their cooperation and being the first to report the malpractice under the leniency program, the ANSUL/SOMATI FIE group was granted immunity from fines. SICLI’s cooperation also resulted in a 50% reduction in their fine. Additionally, the BCA acknowledged the ANSUL/SOMATI FIE group’s commitment to compensating affected customers under predefined terms and conditions.
Six individuals involved in the scheme applied for and were granted immunity from prosecution.
Source: Belgian Competition
Featured News
EU Commission Approves HPE’s $14 Billion Acquisition of Juniper Networks
Aug 1, 2024 by
CPI
EU Commission Launches Public Consultation on Draft Guidelines for Dominance Abuses
Aug 1, 2024 by
CPI
US Progressive Groups and Senator Warren Urge DOJ Probe into Nvidia’s AI Chip Dominance
Aug 1, 2024 by
CPI
San Francisco First in Nation to Ban AI Rent Price-Fixing Software
Aug 1, 2024 by
CPI
DC Attorney General Sues StubHub Over Hidden Junk Fees
Jul 31, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – International Trade & Antitrust
Jul 26, 2024 by
CPI
What is Wrong with the WTO Discipline on Subsidies?
Jul 26, 2024 by
CPI
The Abiding Tension Between Trade Remedy Law and Antitrust
Jul 26, 2024 by
CPI
Trade and Antitrust: An End to Isolationism
Jul 26, 2024 by
CPI
International Trade Law and Domestic Regulation of Generative Artificial Intelligence: Divergent Approaches?
Jul 26, 2024 by
CPI