FEATURES OF THE LEGAL REGULATION OF CARTEL AGREEMENTS

Abstract

The article examines the legal nature and regulatory specifics of cartel agreements, which represent one of the most socially dangerous violations of antitrust legislation. The authors analyze theoretical approaches to defining the concept of a cartel, tracing the historical evolution of anti-cartel regulation both in Russia and internationally. Particular attention is paid to the contemporary stage of legal development, characterized by the growing complexity of collusive practices and the increasing use of digital technologies in their detection. The study highlights the interplay between the economic foundations of cartel behavior and its legal qualification, emphasizing the necessity of combining administrative, criminal, and economic enforcement mechanisms. A separate focus is placed on the legislative amendments adopted in the Russian Federation in 2022, aimed at strengthening antimonopoly policy, enhancing procedural instruments of the Federal Antimonopoly Service, and expanding the application of digital analytical tools, including algorithms for identifying price anomalies and patterns of coordinated bidding behavior. The paper underscores the importance of transparency in public procurement, international cooperation, and modernization of compliance requirements. The authors conclude that current regulatory trends are shifting toward preventive and data-driven identification of cartel practices, which significantly increases the effectiveness of competition protection and contributes to the stability and long-term sustainability of the Russian market economy.