The Italian Competition Authority has taken action against Mulpor Company S.r.l. and IBCM - International Business Convention Management Ltd., imposing a fine of €3.5 million for their continued non-compliance with previous rulings. The companies have been found to mislead enterprises and microenterprises through deceptive communications that falsely request verification of corporate data.

These misleading communications, which resemble legitimate requests for updating information in the International Fairs Directory, actually lead recipients to unknowingly subscribe to multi-year advertising services. The annual cost for these services is €1,200, and the companies have been accused of using undue influence, including threats of costly legal actions, to enforce payment for these unwanted services.

This case highlights a broader issue of deceptive practices targeting microenterprises, as the Italian Competition Authority has been actively intervening against companies that employ such tactics. The Authority's findings confirm that the communications sent by Mulpor and IBCM misrepresented the identity of the operators and the nature of the advertised offers, leading to significant consumer harm.