The Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) has initiated a sanctioning procedure against 11 engineering consultancies suspected of manipulating public tenders. These companies are accused of engaging in collusive practices that violate competition laws.

The companies under investigation include Alauda Ingeniería, Applus Norcontrol, Ciesm-Intevia, and several others. They allegedly coordinated to submit fictitious bids for consultancy and technical assistance contracts issued by various public bodies at state, regional, and local levels.

The CNMC's investigation began after analyzing tenders called by the General Directorate of Roads under the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. Inspections were conducted at the offices of several of the implicated firms between January and February 2024, and again in November 2024.

This sanctioning procedure does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation, which has a maximum resolution period of 24 months.