Swiss price-fixing construction cartels fined millions
Around 650 construction tenders in Graubünden between 2004 and 2010 were compromised.
Keystone / Gian Ehrenzeller
The Federal Competition Commission (Comco) has wrapped up its last two investigations into an illegal price-fixing cartel in the construction industry in the southeastern Swiss canton of Graubünden. The probes resulted in a CHF11 million ($11.1 million) fine.
This content was published on
1 minute
The penalty handed down on Tuesday concerns investigations into agreements between 12 companies on inflated road construction costs, as well as how the tenders would be divided up among themselves. Civil engineering firms in the High Engadin region were also found to have colluded over different building sites for private and commercial buildings.
Tuesday’s announcement marks the conclusion of a total of ten probes into a huge scam that involved purchase orders worth at least CHF190 million (around $192 million).
Around 650 construction tenders in Graubünden between 2004 and 2010 were compromised and a total of 40 companies were involved in the price-fixing. The total amount of fines imposed by Comco is around CHF20-25 million.
The scam was brought to Comco’s attention by a whistleblower who felt his complaints were not being taken seriously by the local authorities.
More
More
Huge construction ‘cartel’ threatened with millions in fines
This content was published on
The cartel is believed to have consisted of hundreds of companies of all sizes and has implicated local politicians in canton Graubünden in southeastern Switzerland. The area is a favourite haunt for tourists, some of whom have holiday homes in the region. Projects to renovate a rail tunnel and build an extension to a hospital…
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Credit Suisse turned down takeover bids one year before collapse
This content was published on
The management of Credit Suisse turned down takeover bids just over a year before the bank collapsed, says American investment banker Bob Diamond.
Geneva human rights film fest rewards 12 ‘impactful’ productions
This content was published on
The Geneva Grand Prix of the 2025 International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH) has been awarded to the Egyptian documentary, Les Filles du Nil.
Top Swiss commerce official to meet with Trump administration
This content was published on
The head of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, will travel to Washington next week.
Former US general advises Switzerland to prepare for war
This content was published on
According to former United States general Ben Hodges, the withdrawal of US troops from Europe is only a matter of time. In an interview with SonntagsBlick, he advises Switzerland to prepare for war.
This content was published on
The author of the bestseller Swiss Watching and former member of SWI swissinfo.ch's Public Council, Diccon Bewes, died on March 11 after a battle with cancer.
Anti-separatists in Bernese Jura mark 50th anniversary of crucial vote
This content was published on
Anti-separatist circles celebrated in Tramelan (BE) on Saturday the 50th anniversary of the vote of 16 March 1975 in which the population of the Bernese Jura chose to remain part of the Bernese Confederation. The theme of the jubilee was the identity of the Bernese Jura after Moutier's departure.
Nearly one in two bicycles sold in Switzerland is an e-bike
This content was published on
In 2024, almost every second bicycle sold in Switzerland was an e-bike. Overall, around 14% fewer bikes were sold than in the previous year.
Over 200 Swiss firms sign up to CO2 reduction targets
This content was published on
To date, 237 companies from Switzerland have joined the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), committing to CO2 reduction targets in line with the Paris Accord.
Geneva-based UN migration office cuts fifth of workforce
This content was published on
The UN's International Organisation for Migration HQ in Geneva is slashing 20% of its 1,000 staff due to the US aid freeze.
Swiss court upholds SIX Group fine in landmark cartel law case
This content was published on
A Swiss court has upheld a fine of CHF7.029 imposed in 2010 by the Competition Commission (COMCO) on a former subsidiary of the SIX Group.
This content was published on
Voters have rejected a proposal aimed at curbing urban sprawl in Switzerland. The Green Party initiative failed to attract broad support.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.