Bid Rigging. An Analysis of Corruption in Auctions

Lengwiler, Yvan and Wolfstetter, Elmar G. (May 2005): Bid Rigging. An Analysis of Corruption in Auctions. SFB/TR 15 Discussion Paper No. 39

Abstract

In many auctions, the auctioneer is an agent of the seller. This invites corruption. We propose a model of corruption in which the auctioneer orchestrates bid rigging by inviting a bidder to either lower or raise his bid, whichever is more profitable. We characterize equilibrium bidding in first- and second-price auctions, show how corruption distorts the allocation, and why both the auctioneer and bidders may have a vested interest in maintaining corruption. Bid rigging is initiated by the auctioneer after bids have been submitted in order to minimize illegal contact and to realize the maximum gain from corruption.

• Item Type: Paper (Discussion Paper)
• Keywords: auctions, procurement, corruption, right of first refusal, numerical
• Collections: Special Research Fields > Discussion Paper Series of SFB/TR 15 Governance and the Efficiency of Economic Systems; Special Research Fields > Discussion Paper Series of SFB/TR 15 Governance and the Efficiency of Economic Systems > A7 - Auktionen, Anreizprobleme und Wettbewerb
• Subjects: 300 Social sciences > 330 Economics
• JEL Classification: D44
• Language: English