COBALT assisted the client in an internal investigation and successfully defended the client in a cartel criminal case

COBALT assisted an international agriculture company in conducting a thorough internal investigation and successfully defended the client in a cartel criminal case. The company was suspected of concluding an anti-competitive agreement and concerted practice between two parties in which a price is determined and the product market is divided. In case of such carted offenses, the liability of legal persons amounts to 5-10% of the annual turnover, which would have resulted in a pecuniary punishment of several million euros for the client.

The client was always of the opinion that they had not committed a crime. The criminal proceedings were terminated without any charges against the client and no pecuniary punishment was imposed. Our work included conducting extensive internal investigations, defense in the criminal case, and reviewing the employment arrangements with the client´s employees.

We advised and represented the client throughout the process. COBALT team was led by Managing Associate Lembit Tedder and included Specialist Counsel Mart Blöndal, Senior Associate  Artur Knjazev, Associate Johanna-Britt Haabu, and Assistant Lawyers Saara Maria Puur and Jaanus Randma.