AMCU uncovers scheme: collusion in public procurement in Mykolaiv region

On December 13, 2024, the Southern Interregional Territorial Department of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) announced the commencement of a case regarding a possible violation of the legislation on the protection of economic competition by Hospodar-2 LLC and VBK Alfa LLC.

This was reported by the press service of the Southern Interregional Territorial Department of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine.

The investigation concerns the tenders held in 2023-2024 by the Syniukhino-Brid village council and the Mykolaiv Housing and Maintenance Department. It is about the procurement of works on major repairs of buildings.

During the preliminary investigation, the Antimonopoly Committee found signs of possible concerted action between the two bidders. In particular, it found evidence of anticompetitive behavior: agreements between the companies regarding the submission of bids that could artificially influence the bidding results.

The Administrative Board of the AMCU's Southern MTB decided to initiate a formal investigation. If the facts of collusion are confirmed, the companies face significant fines and other sanctions provided for by law.

The antitrust authority ordered the city council to remedy the violation by November 2024. Within the deadline, the Ochakiv City Council amended its decision to make it compliant with the laws of Ukraine. The documents on the implementation of the decision were submitted to the relevant authority.

Recently, the Arbuzyn village council chose a carrier without a competitive procedure. Antimonopoly authorities gave the local government 90 days to remedy the situation.

The AMCU also opened a case against Mykolaivkomuntrans. The utility was suspected of establishing a monopoly and violating competition in the waste industry. For several years, the company has held a dominant position in the market of solid waste collection and disposal services in the Mykolaiv region.

Two bidders were caught in fraudulent practices during the procurement of heat meters for Mykolaivoblteploenergo. Violations were recorded during the participation of these entities in tenders held by utilities in different cities.

Андрій Колісніченко