Bundeskartellamt installs anonymous whistleblowing system

Today the Bundeskartellamt has implemented an electronic system which allows it to receive anonymous tip-offs of cartel law infringements. The system has proved effective over many years of practice by certain land criminal police offices. It guarantees the anonymity of informers while still allowing for continual reciprocal communication with investigative staff at the Bundeskartellamt via a secure electronic mailbox.

Andreas Mundt: "Cartels operate in secret and the behaviour of their members is usually extremely conspirative. Insider knowledge is of utmost importance in uncovering and breaking up cartels. The new system also gives those informers which have not contacted us up to now for fear of reprisal a chance to support us in our cartel prosecution work."

The whistleblowing system raises the chances of uncovering cartels. It makes secret agreements less safe and destabilises cartels. According to the Bundeskartellamt's experience, it also raises the incentives for the cartel members themselves to make use of the agency's Leniency Programme and to come forward and uncover their cartel as principal witnesses. The introduction of the whistleblowing system marks a further stage of improvement in the agency's cartel prosecution activities, which have proved increasingly effective in recent years due to the various measures taken by the Bundeskartellamt. All these measures benefit the wider economy and the consumer.

For further information about the Bundeskartellamt's cartel prosecution activities, the whistleblowing system and Leniency Programme, please visit the agency's website at www.bundeskartellamt.de.