The President of the Polish competition authority (UOKiK) has initiated an investigative procedure and ordered searches at the headquarters of the largest wholesalers of electronic equipment and one manufacturer. The investigation aims to determine if there has been collusion involving various brands of popular IT, RTV, and AGD products.

Signals received by UOKiK suggest the possibility of agreements that restrict competition in the sale of electronic equipment. The suspected collusion may involve a wide range of products, including computers, laptops, televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, stoves, vacuum cleaners, and hair dryers.

Searches, conducted with court approval and police assistance, took place at the headquarters of three major wholesalers in Poland—AB, Action, and GT Group Tomaszek—as well as at the premises of one manufacturer, Beko. The suspected collusion could involve businesses at various levels of trade, including manufacturers, importers, wholesale distributors, and retailers, including large electronics stores and online shops.

The investigative procedure is being conducted regarding the matter, not against specific businesses. If the collected evidence confirms suspicions, the President of UOKiK will initiate antitrust proceedings and bring charges against specific entities. Participation in a collusive agreement could result in a financial penalty of up to 10% of the company's turnover, while managers responsible for the collusion could face fines of up to 2 million PLN.

To avoid severe penalties for participation in collusion, a leniency program is available. This program offers companies involved in illegal agreements and responsible managers a chance to reduce or sometimes avoid fines by cooperating as a 'crown witness' with UOKiK and providing evidence or information about the existence of the prohibited agreement.

UOKiK encourages anyone interested in the leniency program to contact the authority via a special phone number. The authority also runs a program to gather information from anonymous whistleblowers regarding practices that restrict competition, ensuring complete anonymity.