The President of the Polish Competition Authority has launched an investigation into Radaway, a manufacturer and wholesale seller of bathroom equipment, along with its commercial director. The company is suspected of engaging in illegal price-fixing practices that may have deprived consumers of the opportunity to purchase products at lower prices.

Radaway has been selling various bathroom products, including shower cabins and linear drains, since 2016. Evidence obtained during searches suggests that the company may have coordinated pricing strategies with independent online retailers, which is against the law. Each independent seller is required to set their own prices based on individual economic considerations, and any imposed pricing by a distributor is illegal.

It is alleged that Radaway monitored online stores to ensure compliance with its pricing agreements and disciplined those who attempted to sell products at lower prices, potentially threatening to revoke discounts. This could have led to a lack of competitive pricing for consumers looking to furnish or renovate their bathrooms.

If the allegations are confirmed, it would mean that consumers were unable to purchase Radaway products at prices lower than those set by the company, limiting their choices in the market. The President of the Polish Competition Authority emphasized that furnishing a bathroom is a significant expense, and consumers seek competitive prices from various sellers.

Participation in anti-competitive agreements can result in fines of up to 10% of a company's turnover, while managers involved in such collusion may face penalties of up to 2 million PLN. However, companies can avoid severe penalties through a leniency program, which allows them to reduce or eliminate fines by cooperating with the authority and providing evidence of the illegal agreement.

The Polish Competition Authority also encourages anonymous whistleblowers to report anti-competitive practices through a dedicated platform, ensuring complete anonymity for those who come forward.