Vestager pulling the threads in insurance cartel probe

The European Commission is ramping up its probe into the Irish motor insurance industry, which some here claim is operating a cartel by restricting access to database

Margrethe Vestager: the outgoing EU competition commissioner has shown an aggressive approach to breaches of competition law Pic: Getty

Nearly two years after a series of dawn raids on Irish motor insurers, the European Commission has escalated its investigation into whether the industry is operating a cartel by restricting access to a database.

Putting the proceedings on a formal footing is not a step taken lightly by the commission. Nor has it been taken in haste.

Material was seized back in July 2017. Whether there is a smoking gun remains to be ...