BILATERAL COOPERATION: THE ANTIMONOPOLY AUTHORITIES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN AND THE UNITED STATES DISCUSSED THE NATURE OF COLLUSION IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

Employees of the Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition of the Republic of Kazakhstan took part in an online seminar dedicated to the identification and investigation of collusion in the field of public procurement. The event was organized by the Antimonopoly Department of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

During the seminar, which was held in the format of an open discussion, Agency staff actively asked questions and discussed topical issues arising in the course of investigations. Colleagues from the United States presented an overview of anti-competitive agreements and collusion affecting public procurement. The nature of the offenses and typical elements of evidence necessary for the successful detection of collusion were considered.

Experts on the topic, including trial lawyer Brian Serino and technical assistance coordinator Devon P. Mahoney, also presented methods for detecting collusion, discussed "red flags" indicating possible collusion, and shared methods for collecting evidence for successful antitrust investigations.

The seminar confirmed the importance of joint efforts in the fight against antitrust violations. In the future, Kazakhstan and the United States plan to continue bilateral cooperation in this direction, exchanging experience and best practices.