The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has recently executed searches at various businesses within the betting industry. This action is part of an ongoing criminal investigation aimed at uncovering potential breaches of competition law.

Authorized Officers from the CCPC, with assistance from An Garda Síochána’s National Economic Crime Bureau and District Detective Units, carried out these searches. The CCPC is empowered to conduct unannounced searches of business premises and private residences, provided they have a search warrant issued by the District Court.

These searches, commonly known as 'dawn raids', are conducted when the CCPC has reasonable grounds to believe that companies or individuals are not adhering to competition or consumer protection laws. The CCPC is actively encouraging businesses and individuals with relevant information to come forward, offering a confidential platform for whistleblowers.

Additionally, the CCPC operates a Cartel Immunity Programme in collaboration with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and an Administrative Leniency programme. This allows individuals to avoid criminal prosecution and receive immunity or reduced fines if they disclose their involvement in illegal activities and cooperate fully with the investigation.

The CCPC is the statutory authority responsible for enforcing competition law in Ireland, which prohibits anti-competitive agreements and abusive practices by dominant firms. As the investigation is still ongoing, the CCPC has refrained from providing further comments at this time.