SUPREME ADMINISTRATIVE COURT OF LITHUANIA REJECTED COMPLAINT BY CARTEL PARTICIPANT

The Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania upheld the decision of the Lithuanian competition authority Konkurencijos taryba imposing fines for bid-rigging in the public procurement on the companies Elmis, Ledevila and Vortex Capital.

The Court rejected the complaint by Vortex Capital, whereby the company asked to repeal the decision of Konkurencijos taryba or reduce EUR 12,600 fine, and confirmed that the authority proved the anti-competitive agreement and imposed a proportionate fine on Vortex Capital.

Konkurencijos taryba launched the investigation after receiving information from the National Paying Agency. The investigation revealed that the companies rigged their bids (including the price) and created favorable conditions for Vortex Capital to win the tender. For the breach of the Law on Competition, Konkurencijos taryba imposed EUR 2,100 fine on Ledevila, and EUR 12,600 fine on Vortex Capital.

The Court’s decision is final and binding.