On 20 November 2025, the Plenum of the Competition Council adopted a decision establishing a procedural infringement committed by “Ridetech International” BV – the operator of the electronic platform “Yandex Go” and the “Yandex Pro” application, used by taxi companies in the Republic of Moldova. This finding was made within the investigation initiated by Decision of the Plenum of the Competition Council No. 03 as of 23 January 2023.

During the investigation, the Competition Council requested the undertaking to provide several pieces of information concerning users of the applications, data necessary to clarify certain aspects relevant to the case. However, “Ridetech International” BV failed to submit the requested information, invoking the obligations incumbent upon it, as an operator established in the European Union, under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Despite this argument, the undertaking did not comply with the obligations provided for by the legislation of the Republic of Moldova – the state in which it carries out its economic activity and where its operations are subject to the national regulatory framework, including competition law.

Taking into account the circumstances of the case and the importance of effective cooperation in the course of investigations, the Competition Council imposed a fine of 776,363 MDL on the undertaking and set a deadline of 30 days for the full submission of the information previously requested but not provided.

Requests for information represent an essential tool for gathering evidence necessary in investigations concerning potential infringements of competition legislation. The Competition Council is entitled to require undertakings to provide promptly and fully any relevant documents or information, irrespective of their format.

Delays, refusals, or incomplete submissions of information impair the authority’s ability to conduct an effective and comprehensive investigation. Since such actions seriously undermine the exercise of the legal powers of the competition authority, the legislation in force provides for significant sanctions for non-compliance with information requests, determined proportionally to the undertaking’s annual turnover and which may reach up to 1% thereof.

Undertakings are reminded that failure to provide, or the incomplete provision of, information requested by the Competition Council will be treated with the utmost seriousness and may lead to the sanctions provided by law. Prompt and transparent cooperation with the competition authority is essential for the efficient conduct of investigations and for maintaining a fair and competitive business environment, in the interest of the economy and consumers.

Alexei Gherțescu, President of the Competition Council of the Republic of Moldova:

“As long as an undertaking operates on the territory of the Republic of Moldova and benefits from access to the local market, even if registered in another state, it cannot invoke the need to comply with certain rules in the jurisdiction of registration as a justification for failing to provide information requested by Moldovan authorities, including the lawful requests of the competition authority. Consequently, the company is obliged to organise its activity, information infrastructure and data management processes in such a way as to be able to comply with all requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Moldova and, in particular, to respond to information requests issued by the national competition authority.”

The decision may be challenged within 30 days before the specialised court. It will be published on the website of the Competition Council after the application of confidentiality measures.

Clarification regarding the nature of the information requested

The Competition Council emphasises that the data requested from “Ridetech International” BV concerned exclusively the professional users of the application, namely the drivers who use the platform in the course of their economic activity. The competition authority did not request and does not request any information concerning passengers or other natural persons who use the transport services as consumers.