Following an announcement made by ANZ to the ASX this morning regarding anticipated criminal cartel charges, the ACCC confirms that criminal cartel charges are expected to be laid by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) against ANZ, ANZ Group Treasurer Rick Moscati, two other companies and a number of other individuals. These charges will be laid following an investigation by the ACCC.

“The charges will involve alleged cartel arrangements relating to trading in ANZ shares following an ANZ institutional share placement in August 2015,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.

“It will be alleged that ANZ and the individuals were knowingly concerned in some or all of the conduct.”

The ACCC will not make any further comment until charges are laid.

Background

The ACCC investigates cartel conduct, manages the immunity process and, in respect of civil cartel contraventions, takes proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia.

The CDPP is responsible for prosecuting criminal cartel offences in accordance with the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth. The ACCC refers serious cartel conduct to the CDPP for consideration of prosecution in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the CDPP and the ACCC regarding Serious Cartel Conduct.

Anyone with information about cartel conduct is urged to call the ACCC Cartel Hotline on (02) 9230 3894.