In search of effective methods for investigating cartel agreements

The author discusses current trends in the organization of the investigation of cartel agreements, identifies the main factors (inconsistency of the norms establishing criminal and administrative responsibility; the difficulties in the legal assessment of specific situations; the imperfection of the model of interaction between antimonopoly and law enforcement agencies) that negatively affect the investigation process. The conclusion is made about the importance of information in electronic (digital) form as a source of evidence and the need for investigators to develop basic skills for collecting and processing such information. The main problematic situations that arise during the investigation of criminal cases on cartel agreements are analyzed. On the basis of the study, practical recommendations are formulated to improve the efficiency of cartel investigations. Particular attention is paid to the choice of effective methods based on the identified patterns in the investigation of cartel agreements and optimal models of interaction with antimonopoly authorities.