Bucharest, 7 April 2025 — The Romanian Competition Council has launched a formal investigation into alleged collusion among suppliers of medical equipment and products used during the COVID-19 pandemic, conducting unannounced inspections at five companies suspected of rigging public tenders.
The probe focuses on contracts awarded through direct acquisitions by public authorities, financed via the EU-backed Large Infrastructure Operational Programme (POIM). The contracts were intended to supply critical items like air purifiers, antigen tests, protective gear, and disinfection robots as part of Romania’s pandemic response.
The five companies under investigation are:
- Axioma Medical SRL
- Soul Medical SRL
- Irika Knitting SRL
- Bonina Trading SRL
- Smart Mind Solutions SRL
Authorities suspect the companies coordinated bids, fixed prices, and/or divided the market to secure contracts on favorable terms.
“These inspections aim to collect all necessary evidence to determine whether competition laws were breached,” the Council said, emphasizing that the inspections do not represent a finding of guilt at this stage.
The Ministry of Investments and European Projects reportedly supplied the initial information that triggered the investigation.
The Bucharest Court of Appeal authorized the raids, which the Competition Council says were necessary to clarify the nature and scope of the potential anti-competitive practices.
If the investigation confirms the allegations, the companies could face fines of up to 10% of their turnover. However, under Romania’s leniency program, those that cooperate with the authority may receive immunity or substantial reductions in penalties.
The investigation underscores growing scrutiny over pandemic-era procurement processes in Romania, with authorities increasingly focused on ensuring that public funds were spent competitively and transparently.
Source: https://www.consiliulconcurentei.ro/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eng-Inv-MIPE-april-2025.pdf
