Poland’s competition authority UOKiK searched Allegro’s Poznań headquarters and Warsaw offices in a preliminary probe into suspected antitrust breaches.

The steps relate to an investigation into whether Allegro may have infringed competition law, including by favouring its own logistics services on the allegro.pl marketplace.

The regulator’s concerns centre on whether Allegro may be promoting its own delivery options such as shipments to Allegro One Box parcel lockers and services provided by businesses in the Allegro Delivery programme.

According to the regulator: “The suspected actions may at the same time put courier companies not belonging to that programme at a disadvantage.”

UOKiK president Tomasz Chróstny added: “Suspected violations of the competition rules were serious enough for us to apply to the court and obtain a permit for a search at Allegro’s registered office in Poznań and in branch offices in Warsaw.

“We have collected extensive and valuable evidence which we are currently subjecting to an in-depth analysis.”

UOKiK noted that the current work is being conducted in rem, meaning it is not directed at specific companies at this stage.

If the authority finds evidence supporting its concerns, it may open antitrust proceedings and issue allegations against individual entities.

Companies found to be part of anti-competitive agreements face penalties of up to 10% of turnover.

The search follows a recent lawsuit lodged by Polish online marketplace Erli, which has accused Allegro of abusing its market position and engaging in unfair competition.

The complaint centres on claims that Allegro requires price consistency across the internet, with sellers’ promotional exposure - both on and off the platform - linked to how they price goods on other online channels.

Retail Insight Network has reached out to Allegro for comment on the matter.