• The President of UOKiK has opened a preliminary investigation into possible anti-competitive practices in the sale of Xiaomi equipment.
• In addition, UOKiK employees conducted searches at the offices of three entities, assisted by the Police.
• Analysis of the collected evidence is underway.

- We have received information that the prices of the Xiaomi equipment: Mi, Redmi, Redmi Note and POCO may be determined by an unauthorized agreement. I have initiated a preliminary investigation into the matter and ordered searches at the offices of the three entities. We have collected extensive evidence which we are currently analyzing" says the President of UOKiK, Tomasz Chróstny.

The search took place at the headquarters of Xiaomi Poland and two distributors of the company's products. The suspected agreement may involve unauthorized pricing of consumer electronics, home appliances and smart products. As a result, consumers would not be able to buy these products cheaper than at top-down prices.

The preliminary proceedings are conducted in the case itself and not in relation to specific entrepreneurs. If the evidence collected confirms the suspicions, the President of the Authority will initiate antitrust proceedings and bring charges against individual entities. An enterprise involved in a competition-restricting agreement faces a fine of up to 10% of its turnover. The managers responsible for concluding the collusion, in turn, face a fine of up to PLN 2 million.

Severe sanctions can be avoided by taking advantage of the leniency scheme. It offers to entrepreneurs involved in an illegal agreement and to managers responsible for collusion an opportunity to reduce a fine or, in some cases, avoid it altogether. It is applicable to those who agree to cooperate with the President of UOKiK as a “crown witness” and provide any and all evidence or information on the illegal agreement.

Entrepreneurs and managers interested in the leniency scheme are encouraged to contact the Authority. By calling a dedicated number: +48 22 55 60 555, you will be able to talk to UOKiK lawyers, who will answer all of your questions related to leniency applications - including those asked anonymously.