Russia’s FAS Lowers Fines on Salmon Cartel Operator

On May 29, 2014, Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (“FAS”), the country’s top antitrust regulator, has lowered the fine levied on Severnoi Company for its part in a cartel operating in the Norwegian salmon supply sector, according to Russian newspaper Kommersant.

The fine was lowered after SK Retail, part of the Severnoi company group, told the FAS that it acquired fish that had already been imported from Norway, and therefore did not benefit from neither the existence of the cartel nor limited competition.

The fine was reportedly lowered from 43 roubles (approximately $1.3 million) to 100,000 roubles (approximately $3,000). The FAS reportedly initiated the antitrust case in July 2013, while the fine was initially levied in December 2013.

Mark Ye
202-589-1834
mye@dbmlawgroup.com