CCPC searches solar panel firms over possible bid-rigging

A number of so-called dawn raids have been carried out by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) of businesses active in the solar panel industry.

CCPC officers, together with garda detective units and local gardaí, carried out the unannounced searches - which are part of an investigation into suspected bid-rigging in relation to public tenders.

The consumer watchdog has the power to carry out such searches for information and evidence where it has reason to suspect that companies or individuals are not compliant with competition law.

According to the CCPC, bid-rigging is a serious form of cartel conduct that occurs when businesses agree in advance how they will respond to a tender process, rather than competing independently.

Such conduct may include agreeing who will win a contract, submitting cover bids, taking turns winning contracts, or agreeing not to bid.

Such activity can lead to higher prices and poorer value for purchasers.

The watchdog is calling on businesses and individuals who have evidence or information that may help this investigation to share it via a confidential and anonymous information-sharing website for whistleblowers at: https://report.whistleb.com/en-GB/ccpc.

The CCPC said it also operates a Cartel Immunity Programme in conjunction with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and an Administrative Leniency programme.

Under these measures, people may avoid criminal prosecution and get immunity from, or reductions in, fines - if they reveal their involvement in illegal activity and fully cooperate with any investigation.

It added that any information can be shared in confidence with the cartels team by calling the CCPC 'Immunity and Leniency' phoneline on 087 763 1378.

Commenting on the raids, CCPC Commission Member Úna Butler said: "Effective competition is essential to supporting a strong, resilient and growing Irish economy.

"When businesses compete fairly, it drives innovation, supports economic growth and helps ensure that businesses, public bodies and consumers get the best possible value for money.

"While searches do not imply that any breach of competition law has occurred, the CCPC remains committed to fully investigating suspected bid-rigging to protect fair competition and consumers."

The Government has made a commitment to provide the CCPC with new powers the watchdog said it needs to screen public procurement data for signs of potential bid-rigging.

Screening involves analysing procurement and tender data to identify suspicious tenders, unusual bidding patterns or other indicators of potential collusion.

The CCPC said this investigation is ongoing and it cannot provide any further comment at this time.