Part 6Cartel offence

Criminal investigations by OFT

193 Powers when conducting an investigation

1

The OFT may by notice in writing require the person under investigation, or any other person who it has reason to believe has relevant information, to answer questions, or otherwise provide information, with respect to any matter relevant to the investigation at a specified place and either at a specified time or forthwith.

2

The OFT may by notice in writing require the person under investigation, or any other person, to produce, at a specified place and either at a specified time or forthwith, specified documents, or documents of a specified description, which appear to the OFT to relate to any matter relevant to the investigation.

3

If any such documents are produced, the OFT may—

a

take copies or extracts from them;

b

require the person producing them to provide an explanation of any of them.

4

If any such documents are not produced, the OFT may require the person who was required to produce them to state, to the best of his knowledge and belief, where they are.

5

A notice under subsection (1) or (2) must indicate—

a

the subject matter and purpose of the investigation; and

b

the nature of the offences created by section 201.