The Competition Commission said on Friday it has raided 11 premises in connection with suspected bid-rigging involving virtual reality equipment contracts worth about HK$10 million.

Search warrants were executed on Thursday at offices of several IT service and equipment providers and other companies, as well as residences of individuals involved, in an operation codenamed "Lens".

The companies are alleged to have engaged in bid-rigging, price-fixing, market-sharing and the exchange of competitively sensitive information when submitting quotations for VR equipment and software installation services to various schools and non-profit organisations, in contravention of the first conduct rule under the Competition Ordinance.

The raids came after the commission received complaints alleging that some IT suppliers had prepared tender documents for other suppliers to act as cover bidders.

Following an initial review, the commission found reasonable cause to suspect a contravention had taken place and escalated the case to the investigation phase.

During the raids, the commission exercised its compulsory powers to request the production of documents and information, as well as compel attendance for questioning.

"This case concerns schools and non-profit organisations, and the suspected anti-competitive conduct involved may ultimately result in reduced choices and/or increased costs for these organisations, thereby compromising the efficient use of public resources," it said.

The commission stressed that all market participants, from traditional industries to emerging technologies, must never engage in anti-competitive conduct.

It urged anyone with information on the case to come forward and reminded those involved in cartel conduct to approach the commission for leniency or cooperation.




Edited by Edmond Fong