EluentLaboratories

History

2023: FAS identified a cartel in the field of laboratory research for 1 billion rubles

The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of Russia has identified a cartel in the field of laboratory research: the total amount of contract prices may exceed 1 billion rubles. The press service of the regulator announced this on June 13, 2023.

Five companies are suspected of conspiring at the auction for the supply of laboratory and production equipment, consumables for laboratory research and chemical products: EluentLaboratories LLC, Molbiol LLC, Analytical Manufactory LLC, Rusmedtorg LLC and Medstandart LLC. According to preliminary estimates of the FAS, the total amount of initial (maximum) contract prices in 41 procurement procedures may amount to over 1.1 billion rubles.

FAS revealed a cartel in the field of laboratory research for 1 billion rubles

Part of the funds for the supply of goods was allocated within the framework of the federal project "Export of agricultural products," and the supply of goods was carried out by organizations in the territory of 24 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The basis for initiating the case was the materials received by the FAS Russia, including by monitoring procurement procedures. Also, the FAS clarified that a case was initiated under paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Art. 11 FZ (on raising, lowering or maintaining prices at auction).

By June 13, 2023, the State Duma adopted in the first number a bill to strengthen responsibility for cartels at compulsory tenders. Among other things, it is proposed to tighten Art. 178 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (On restriction of competition), if the creation of a cartel led to an increase, decrease or maintenance of prices at auction.

FAS explained the need for such an initiative with a large number of collusion at the auction. At the same time, trading is a special mechanism that was created in order to effectively use budget funds, the Federal Antimonopoly Service explains.^[1]

Notes