25.11.2025 18:16
The Competition Authority imposed an administrative fine of approximately 282 million Turkish lira on Coca-Cola, which was found to have obstructed the on-site inspection by deleting data after the investigation had begun.
The Competition Authority announced that Coca-Cola has been fined approximately 282 million lira for "obstructing and complicating the on-site inspection."
In a statement published on the Competition Authority's website, it was noted that during the on-site inspection conducted at Coca-Cola, it was determined that data had been deleted after the inspection began. The statement expressed that the authority ruled that the company "obstructed and complicated the on-site inspection," resulting in a fine of approximately 282 million lira.
A FINE EQUIVALENT TO 0.5% OF TURNOVER
The statement emphasized that no data should be deleted from any device for any reason after the inspection has started, and it recorded the following:
"Even a single deletion operation exposes the company to a fine equivalent to 0.5% of its turnover. The most up-to-date, high-tech devices are used in inspections, and attempts to delete data can be detected very quickly. The inspection only covers operational data. Personal or sensitive data are excluded from the scope of the inspection."
The statement highlighted that the decision serves as a strong warning to companies, using the following expressions:
"The complete fulfillment of on-site inspection obligations and the provision of full and transparent cooperation is not only a legal obligation but also the only way to avoid severe penalties. Under Law No. 4054, on-site inspection is one of the most critical tools for uncovering competition violations. Authority experts have the authority to examine all operational data found on the computers, mobile devices, and information systems of company managers and employees, and to request written or verbal statements from employees."