The Latvian competition authority (KP) has taken action against nine companies involved in a cartel that manipulated public procurement processes for funeral services. The investigation revealed that these companies coordinated their participation in at least 13 public tenders, sharing sensitive commercial information and submitting cover bids.

The identified companies include SIA “ABSocial”, SIA “Rīgas memoriālais centrs”, SIA “FLAMMAX”, SIA “KREMATORIJU APVIENĪBA”, and others. The total estimated value of the contracts involved was approximately €2 million, covering services such as the transportation of deceased individuals.

Fines imposed by the KP ranged from €700 to over €22,000, depending on the role of each company in the infringement. The largest fine was levied against SIA “KREMATORIJU APVIENĪBA”, while SIA “ABSocial” and SIA “Rīgas memoriālais centrs” were treated as a single market participant.

The KP emphasized the need for a unified regulatory framework for the funeral services sector, which has been lacking for over a decade. The authority has previously noted issues of competition distortion and consumer interest violations in this market.

In light of these findings, the KP encourages public procurement entities to report any suspicious activities that may indicate collusion among bidders.