Athens, March 13, 2026 — Greece’s Competition Commission (HCC) carried out surprise inspections at companies operating in the water supply, irrigation and wastewater sectors as part of an investigation into possible cartel practices and bid rigging.
The unannounced on-site inspections took place on March 10, 2026, within the framework of an ex officio investigation into potential horizontal agreements or coordinated practices between competitors, including suspected manipulation of public procurement procedures.
According to the authority, the inspections were conducted with the assistance of the Hellenic Police’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Cybercrime Unit.
The probe focuses on possible violations of Greek competition law (Law 3959/2011) and Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which prohibit agreements or practices that restrict competition.
The Commission said cartel-type practices, including collusion between competitors, typically lead to higher prices, reduced choice and lower quality of goods and services, ultimately harming consumers. Bid-rigging in public tenders can also undermine the integrity of procurement procedures, increase costs for the public sector and reduce the quality of services delivered.
The authority emphasized that conducting dawn raids does not imply that the companies involved have engaged in anti-competitive conduct nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
As the national authority responsible for enforcing competition rules, the HCC said it will continue to prioritize the detection of cartel practices and impose strict administrative penalties where violations are confirmed.
The regulator also highlighted its leniency program, which allows companies involved in cartels to obtain immunity or reduced fines if they cooperate with the investigation. Businesses found participating in cartel agreements may otherwise face significant fines, criminal penalties for responsible individuals and exclusion from public procurement contracts for up to three years.
