Investigation and Enforcement Overview

Providing insights into the Competition Act procedures, triggers, investigation processes, and enforcement measures led by Duncan T. Morotsi. The presentation covers topics like corporate leniency, punishments for infringements, and different forms of abuse. Learn about the sources of investigations, types of agreements investigated, and details about the investigative process. Understand the purpose of investigations and the legal aspects associated with obtaining evidence and data.

• Competition Act
• Investigation
• Enforcement
• Corporate Leniency
• Abuse

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Presentation Transcript

1. INVESTIGATION AND ENFORCEMENT Presentation by Duncan T. Morotsi 15thMarch 2012 1

2. Presentation Outline Introduction What triggers an investigation? What do we investigate? Process of Investigation Corporate Leniency Policy Interim Relief Punishment for Infringement of the Act Enforcement 2

3. Introduction The Competition Act (CAP 46:09) provides for certain procedures to be followed when gathering evidence for purposes of administering certain parts of the Act. The purpose of an investigation is to obtain facts, sufficient enough to enable the Authority to determine if the allegations of anti-competitive practices are substantiated through the lawful obtaining of data, documents or any other information from the relevant enterprise or persons. 3

4. What Triggers An Investigation Information received from the following sources A written complaint An anonymous source Media reports Parliamentary or Council debates The initiative of the Authority A walk-in report Publications by academics etc 4

5. What do we Investigate? Horizontal Agreements (cartels) Vertical Agreements (distribution agreements) Failure to comply with directions issued by the Authority under merger control Abuse of Dominance (what is it? United Brands v Commission of the European Communities) 5

6. What do we Investigate Contd Instances of Abuse - Restrictive conditions abuse - Refusal to supply abuse - Discriminatory pricing abuse - Exploitative abuse - Tying abuse (See Microsoft Case) 6

7. Process of Investigation Investigation with or without Notice Service of Notice Entry, Search and seizure of Premises Entry and Search with or without a warrant The right to legal counsel Seizure of documents and other materials Legal Privilege Power to compel a person to give information or to produce documents or any article 7

8. Process of Investigation Contd Investigation relating to other Sector Regulators or any Government department that exercises functions of prudential or economic regulation. Bank of Botswana BTA NBFIRA CAAB ROCIP 8

9. Corporate Leniency Policy Immunity granted by the Commission to a self confessing cartel member for its participation in cartel activity under investigation How does it work? 9

10. Interim Relief Direction given by Commission whilst investigations are ongoing, to prevent conduct under investigation causing irreparable damage to a particular person or category of persons or for protecting public interest When does it apply? 10

11. What is the punishment for Infringement of the Competition Act? What constitutes an infringement? Hindering and obstructing Unduly influencing a person Refusing to provide information Refusing to produce a document that is in your possession Failing to attend a hearing without reasonable cause Refusing to take oath or affirmation 11

12. What is the punishment for Infringement of the Competition Act? Cont d Doing anything calculated to influencing the Commission or any member of the Authority concerning a matter before them Knowingly giving false information Defaming a member of the Commission in his/her official capacity Failure to comply with an Order of the Commission Disclosure of confidential information by Commissioners and Authority staff Failure to disclose a direct/indirect financial interest by a Commissioner or staff member For all the above offences the punishment is a fine not exceeding P30 000.00 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two (2) years. 12

13. What is the punishment for Infringement of the Competition Act? Cont d Failure to comply with an Order of the Commission attracts a fine not exceeding P500 000.00 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten (10) years. Fines are paid to the Consolidated Fund The Authority does not impose criminal sanctions all infringements are to be taken before a Court of law. 13

14. Enforcement Commission can apply to the High Court to enforce payment (not exceeding 10% of the turnover of the enterprise) (Restrictive Agreements) Where the enterprise has failed to comply with directions issued pursuant to the Commission s powers (exemptions). Apply to the High Court for a compelling Order together with Costs. Where the enterprise does not comply with directions issued by the Authority during merger control or assessment. Apply to the High Court for a compelling Order together with costs. 14

15. Thank you Legal and Enforcement Department Competition Authority Ground Floor, Plot 50664 Fairground Office Park Private Bag 00101 Gaborone Tel: (267) 393 4278 Fax: (267) 312 1013 Email: competitionauthority@gmail.com 15