In order to inform the public, it is reported that the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC), in 2021, has carried out a series of targeted on-site inspections (dawn-raids) in key sectors of the economy, and has intensified its actions, compared to previous years, in order to investigate any anti-competitive practices by companies in different sectors of the economy.

In particular, as it is shown in the graph below, during the period January - November 2021, the HCC carried out 14 on-site inspections in 98 companies, compared to 7 on-site inspections in 2020 in 68 companies, showing an increase of 44%. In addition, in 2021, the HCC increased the number of inspected companies per month to 8.9, compared to 5.7 in 2020 and 4 in 2019, showing an increase of 57% in 2021, from 42% in 2020 compared to 2019.

Number of dawn raids per month and inspected companies

The activity of the HCC has been recognized internationally as particularly intense, and it has been recognized as the National Competition Authority which has held the highest number of  dawn-raids among all the European countries in 2021 (see here and here ).

The fact that the HCC carries out inspections does not mean that the inspected undertakings have engaged in anti-competitive behavior, nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself.

The HCC, the guardian of the proper functioning of free market, points out that within the framework of its responsibilities, it will intervene as an immediate priority where necessary and will examine any relevant case that comes to its notice, by the submission of a complaint, application for leniency or anonymous relevant information through the secure digital environment (whistleblowing) and will impose very severe administrative sanctions on companies that apply anti-competitive practices under the provisions of Law 3959/2011 and Articles 101 and 102 TFEU.