DAWN RAIDS

You can be affected!

The Hungarian Competition Authority (HCA) has used dawn raids for a long time, primarily in cases of suspected cartels. In a dawn raid, the HCA’s investigators are authorised – without prior notification on their arrival – to review and seize all paper-based and electronic documents and communications as well as communication devices (laptops, telephones, etc.) of a company suspected of an infringement. The investigators may enter all of the buildings and other premises used by the company and interview all of its employees.

There are only three kinds of companies: those that were, will be or currently are subject to a dawn raid by the competition authority…

A competition law bon mot

In 2015, the HCA decided on a total of 10 cartel cases and launched another 12 new procedures. The amount of fines imposed in cartel cases in 2015 exceeded 3.3 billion HUF. Out of the 10 closed procedures, 7 cases were performed without prior notice, and the “HCA” inquiry was started with a “dawn raid”.

YOU SHOULD KNOW that suspicion is enough for the HCA to raid your offices

Every raid has the potential to cause damage to a company, and it will certainly disrupt its daily operations and impact its relationship with employees and business partners alike. The events that take place during the raid can often determine the final outcome of the entire procedure. It is very important that the management, in-house lawyers and employees are well-prepared for a raid and know what they should and should not do during and after the raid in order to protect the company’s interests.

YOU SHOULD KNOW that suspicion is enough for the HCA to raid your offices

Every raid has the potential to cause damage to a company, and it will certainly disrupt its daily operations and impact its relationship with employees and business partners alike. The events that take place during the raid can often determine the final outcome of the entire procedure. It is very important that the management, in-house lawyers and employees are well-prepared for a raid and know what they should and should not do during and after the raid in order to protect the company’s interests.

DON’T GET CAUGHT OFF GUARD! GET READY INSTEAD!

Are you prepared for a dawn raid by the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH)?

CERHA HEMPEL Dezső & Partners has extensive experience in handling administrative competition proceedings, with a particular focus on dawn raids. We have assisted numerous domestic and international clients in responding lawfully and effectively to unexpected raids by both Hungarian and EU authorities.

Our experts provide guidance to ensure that you and your team clearly understand:

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how the legal framework of a dawn raid works

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the procedural steps the authority’s usually take

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how inspections are conducted in practice

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what actions to take before, during, and after a dawn raid

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the role your lawyers plays throughout the entire process

Don’t wait until the GVH shows up at your door.

Contact us today and prepare in advance — with the right legal support by your side.

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GET PREPARED!

If you are interested in a detailed guide specifically tailored to the needs and circumstances of your company or in a training course for the management and in-house lawyers, please contact our experts.

Tamás Polauf
Lead Partner
Phone: +36 1 457 8040
Mobile: +36 20 381 3609
E-mail: tamas.polauf@cerhahempel.hu