The Polish Competition Authority (UOKiK) has initiated an inquiry into Allegro, a major e-commerce platform in Poland, amid allegations of anti-competitive practices. The authorities conducted a police raid on Allegro's offices based on suspicions that the company may have been giving preferential treatment to its own delivery methods, which could undermine competition with other businesses. The investigation is centered on how Allegro's actions might violate existing competition laws, particularly in relation to its logistics services.

UOKiK's inquiry seeks to determine the legitimacy of Allegro's practices, which have raised concerns from competitors such as Erli. The crux of the issue appears to revolve around Allegro's pricing strategies and how its internal logistics may inadvertently create an uneven playing field for other sellers. If UOKiK finds sufficient evidence supporting these allegations, Allegro could face severe legal and financial repercussions, potentially including hefty fines and the requirement to alter its business practices.

As the investigation unfolds, UOKiK is expected to take further actions if the evidence substantiates the claims against Allegro. This scenario reflects a broader trend of regulatory scrutiny in the tech and e-commerce sectors, where authorities are increasingly vigilant about maintaining competitive markets and protecting smaller businesses. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Allegro's operations and the future landscape of e-commerce in Poland, unless they can convincingly demonstrate compliance with competition laws.