US: Chem exec pleads admits guilty to bid rigging

Brian C. Steppig, former executive at GEO Specialty Chemical pleaded guilty on January 3 in the District of New Jersey for his role in a conspiracy to eliminate competition by rigging bids, allocating customers, and fixing the price for liquid aluminum sulfate sold to municipalities and pulp and paper companies in the US.

Mr. Steppig admitted to agreeing with competitors, from approximately 2005 until February 2011, not to compete for contracts for liquid aluminum sulfate, a coagulant used by municipalities to treat drinking and waste water, and by pulp and paper companies in their manufacturing processes.

“Today’s result reflects the Antitrust Division’s ongoing efforts to hold accountable those who seek to corrupt the competitive process and cheat customers,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “This offense was particularly egregious, counting among its victims cities and towns throughout the Southeastern United States that relied on the conspirators’ products to provide clean water to their residents.”

“The FBI is thorough in ensuring that anyone intent on corrupting our free market system is brought to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher of the FBI’s Newark Division. “Corruption and collusion at any level in our society is unacceptable as it has such a negative impact on the consumer.”

Full Content: Journal & Courier

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