APPEAL COURT CONFIRMED VIOLATION BY MESHALKIN NATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE, “FITO” LTD. AND “TERRA” LTD.
The anticompetitive agreement was pursued through 400 auctions for supplies of drugs, medical products, food products and drugs transportation services for the needs of Meshalkin National Medical Research of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation for over 500 million RUB
The 7th Arbitration Appeal Court in Tomsk supported the decision of Novosibirsk OFAS on the case against Meshalkin National Medical Research Centre of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, “FITO” Ltd. and “Terra” Ltd., upheld the judgment of Novosibirsk Regional Arbitration Court and dismissed the appeal.
In March 2018, having investigated the case, Novosibirsk OFAS established that Meshalkin National Medical Research Centre of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, “FITO” Ltd. and “Terra” Ltd. concluded and implemented an agreement that restricted competition and created preferential conditions for these companies.
A criminal case against Deputy Director on Research of Meshalkin National Medical Research Centre is currently under investigation upon elements of an offence under Part 4 Article 159 and Part 4 Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, and against Director and his spouse – under Part 4 Article 160 of the Criminal Code. The accused are under house arrest.
Oktyabrsky District Court in Novosibirsk is also considering a criminal case against Directors of FITO” Ltd. and “Terra” Ltd. upon elements of an offence under Clause “c” Part 2 Article 178 of the Criminal Code.
Head of FAS Anti-Cartel Department Andrey Tenishev said earlier: “In FAS estimates, supplies of medicinal drugs, medical products and equipment is one of the most cartelized sectors of Russian economy. Thus, FAS actively collaborates with the law enforcement bodies to expose and suppress cartel operations Всвязи”.