Why is AB InBev under investigation by India's antitrust agency?

AB InBev is under investigation by India's antitrust agency after its status was changed from a third-party witness to a "party under investigation" following four years of cooperation.

What action has the court taken regarding the investigation into AB InBev?

A court in southern Karnataka state has issued a temporary injunction on April 16, 2026, putting the investigation against AB InBev on hold.

What are the potential penalties for AB InBev if the CCI investigation is successful?

If the CCI succeeds in overturning the court block, AB InBev could face penalties as much as three times its profit or 10% of the company's turnover for each year of wrongdoing.

Home / Business and Economy / AB InBev Faces Cartel Probe After Whistleblower Role

AB InBev Faces Cartel Probe After Whistleblower Role

21 Apr

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Summary

AB InBev is under investigation by India's antitrust agency.
The probe follows the company's cooperation as a witness for four years.
A court has temporarily halted the investigation into AB InBev.

AB InBev Faces Cartel Probe After Whistleblower Role

Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest brewer, is now a target of a cartel investigation by India's antitrust agency. This development follows four years of cooperation from AB InBev as a witness in the case.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has been investigating 42 alcohol retailers in Telangana since 2022 for alleged cartel activities aimed at excluding AB InBev's competitors. The investigation led to a raid on AB InBev's premises in early 2024.