Cyprus Cartel Leniency and Immunity programme in force

An immunity and leniency programme has been put in force in Cyprus, providing for the procedures entailed in applying to the CPC for immunity from fines or reduction of fines in cartel cases. The programme, which takes the form of subisidiary legislation Issued prusuant to the provisions of the Law by a relevant Decision of the Council of Ministers, was published as such in the Official Gazette on November 11, 2011. The leniency programme is based on the assumption that some undertakings that participate in cartels wish to end their participation and provide evidence for its existence and operation, but are concerned over the sanctions they will suffer. As per the CPC’s 2009 Annual Report, it considers that ‘rewarding’ these undertakings is necessary in the public interest and that it will urge them to cooperate with the CPC and contribute to the investigation and establishment of an anti-competitive practice.

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