The Austrian competition authority has successfully prosecuted a cartel in the waste management sector, resulting in a significant fine of €7.085 million against Saubermacher Dienstleistungs AG, Trügler Recycling und Transport GesmbH, and pink robin gmbh. This decision is now legally binding.

Saubermacher Dienstleistungs AG cooperated with the authority after searches were conducted as part of a whistleblower program, leading to a comprehensive acknowledgment of their involvement in the cartel. This cooperation prompted the authority to request a reduced fine.

The companies were found to have engaged in illegal activities including price-fixing, market division, and the exchange of sensitive competitive information from July 2002 to March 2021. Their actions were part of a nationwide cartel that manipulated public and private tenders, allowing them to secure contracts and maintain their market shares.

The cartel's structure involved territorial and customer divisions, creating a complex network that spanned across Austria. Investigations are ongoing against several other companies in the waste management sector, supported by extensive data collected during searches in 2021 and 2022, as well as the cooperation of involved companies under the whistleblower program.

According to the Austrian Competition Act, the authority can reduce or waive fines for companies that assist in uncovering cartel activities, which played a crucial role in this case.