Dawn raids on betting industry businesses as part of criminal probe into potential breaches of competition law

An Garda Síochána's National Economic Crime Bureau has teamed up with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to execute unannounced searches at businesses in the betting sector. The CCPC is soliciting information on potential anti-competitive practices, considering offering "cartel immunity" to those who assist in its investigation. Armed with District Court search warrants, the CCPC emphasizes its authority to uncover non-compliance related to competition and consumer protection laws. They are encouraging whistleblowers to provide information via a confidential channel, presenting avenues for individuals to secure leniency for revealing illegal activities.

"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."

"The CCPC will search for information and evidence where they have reason to believe that companies or individuals are not compliant with competition or consumer protection law."

"The CCPC is urging businesses and individuals who have evidence or information that may help this investigation to come forward, including through a confidential website that it runs for whistleblowers."

"Individuals may avoid criminal prosecution and get immunity from, or reductions in, fines if they reveal their involvement in illegal activity and fully cooperate with a CCPC investigation."

Read at Irish Independent