Searches raids and inspections Subgroup 2: Enforcement techniques

Competition agencies view searches or raids as one of their most effective investigative tools in the battle against cartels. This Chapter, Searches, Raids and Inspections, provides an overview of the search and seizure procedures of various ICN member agencies, and identifies some of the key practices that are common among competition agencies around the world. The Chapter was originally published based on information collected from ICN members in July 2004 by means of a questionnaire. A revised questionnaire, containing the original questions, as well as 22 new questions, was distributed to ICN members in February 2009. The Chapter has been updated to incorporate new information and changes since 2004. The focus of this exercise was to identify good practices and procedures with respect to the organization, timing and conduct of the seizure of documentary evidence.