DECISIONS OF KARELIA OFAS FORMED THE GROUNDS FOR OPENING A CRIMINAL CASE

The Investigation Department of the Investigation Committee of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Karelia opened a case upon elements of a crime under Part 1 Article 178 of the Criminal Code

The case was opened upon decisions and materials of Karelia OFAS, submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Karelia and the Investigation Committee of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Karelia, on invalidating actions of “Medlon” Ltd., “NicaMed” Ltd., “Medlon-DV” Ltd. and “No.1 City Children’s Healthcare Clinic”: restricting competition in the course of competitive bidding organized by the state for supplies of medical equipment and medicines for the needs of health facilities of the Republic of Kareliain2014 – 2016.

As a result of the anticompetitive agreement, the economic entities – “competitors”  “Medlon” Ltd., “NicaMed” Ltd. and “Medlon-DV” Ltd. gained over 64.7 million RUB as unlawful income.

The investigation of the criminal case continues under the statutory procedure, the main involvants are officials of suppliers and the government customer.

Head of Karelia OFAS Artur Pryakhin commented: “Cartels cause enormous damages to the economic security of the state. Therefore, combating this mischievous phenomenon, efficient interaction between the antimonopoly and law enforcement bodies is quite essential. Executing the list of instructions from President Putin, designed to strengthen countering unlawful activities of cartels, undoubtedly would increase the quality of our joint efforts, and make punishment for committing unlawful actions inevitable”.