On February 17, 2022, the DOJ Antitrust Division and FBI announced an initiative to investigate and prosecute antitrust violations (price fixing, wage fixing, bid rigging, and market allocation) stemming from supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic.
In a joint press release, Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Antitrust Division advised, “the Antitrust Division will not allow companies to collude in order to overcharge consumers under the guise of supply chain disruptions.” FBI Assistant Director Luis Quesada added, “the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to collaborate and investigate schemes that violate antitrust laws and stifle our economic recovery.”
According to the statement, supply chain disruptions affect a variety of industries, including agriculture and health care, around the world. For this reason, the DOJ formed a working group focusing on global supply chain collusion with law enforcement officials in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The working group will concentrate on fraudulent schemes arising from transportation constraints, disruption to routine business operations, and difficulty in obtaining raw materials, which result in higher prices to consumers.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this new DOJ initiative, please contact the attorneys at Dysart Willis who have experience successfully representing individuals and companies in antitrust investigations around the globe.