An Garda Síochána’s National Economic Crime Bureau and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) are currently running an ongoing criminal investigation into Irish betting industry businesses.
The probe is examining potential breaches of competition law. It emerged yesterday that the CCPC had used its consumer watchdog powers to carry out “unannounced searches” of some betting businesses.
The CCPC is now appealing to anyone with information about possible anti-competition practices in betting shops to come forward, and has suggested that it could offer “cartel immunity” to those who co-operate with its investigation.
A number of major betting companies that operate in Ireland have declined to comment on the investigation.
In a statement to the Irish Independent, the The Irish Bookmakers Association said that it has “consistently operated in full compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements and will continue to do so”.
“We will also continue to fully co-operate with any authority seeking our assistance.
“Unfortunately, as the matter is a live investigation with the CCPC, we are unable to provide further comment.”
The Irish Independent first reported on the operation yesterday.
The CCPC said that it had sought search warrants from the district court before carrying out the “dawn raids”.
“The CCPC has the power to carry out unannounced searches of business premises and private homes with a search warrant issued by the district court,” it said.
“The CCPC will search for information and evidence where it has reason to believe that companies or individuals are not compliant with competition or consumer protection law. These searches are commonly referred to as ‘dawn raids’.”
The CCPC said it is “urging businesses and individuals who have evidence or information that may help this investigation to come forward”, including through a confidential website.
“The CCPC also operates a cartel immunity programme, in conjunction with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and an administrative leniency programme. Individuals may avoid criminal prosecution and get immunity from, or reductions in, fines if they reveal their involvement in illegal activity and fully co-operate with a CCPC investigation,” it said.
“Competition law prohibits anti-competitive agreements between two or more independent businesses, such as agreements to fix prices, share markets, or restrict output.
“Competition law also forbids firms which hold a dominant position from engaging in abusive practices, such as predatory pricing or refusal to supply.
“Part of the CCPC’s wide remit is to enforce Irish and EU competition law.
“As this investigation is ongoing, the CCPC cannot provide any further comment at this time.”
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