Dawn Raids in the Digital Age: A Legal & Technical Discussion

Unannounced, on-site inspections or "dawn raids" are an investigatory tool used by competition authorities. They are deployed to gather masses of data held by companies suspected of anticompetitive conduct or receiving foreign subsidies.

In the EU, recent practice has provided insights into the expanding limits of the powers held by the European Commission when conducting its investigations. The exercise of these powers is far-reaching and ever-evolving from the use of AI to gather evidence and kickstart investigations, to the ability to access data stored by investigated companies even on servers based outside the EU.

China Chamber of Commerce to the EU offers this engaging panel discussion in collaboration with Ashurst. Legal, IT and eDiscovery experts will provide a valuable overview of recent dawn raids and how they should shape the approach taken by companies based within the EU and further afield.

This event is of particular interest to companies based in China with activities in the EU. As the European Commission conducts closer scrutiny of the conduct of Chinese companies on the EU internal market, it is essential to remain informed and prepared in the event of an unexpected dawn raid and broader investigation under EU law.

Mr. Fang Dongkui, Secretary General of the CCCEU, will deliver the opening remarks.

Date: 17 April 2026

Time: 12:00 –  13:30 (CEST) / Beijing Time 18:00-19:30

Key topics to be covered include:

• The investigatory powers of the European Commission during a dawn raid

• Companies' obligations when subjected to a raid

• Powers to gather evidence from private residences and employees' personal devices

• Powers to access data servers within and outside the EU

• Engaging with your IT teams to prepare for, and respond during a dawn raid

• Related issues concerning the protection of data and of legally privileged communications

The panel will be glad to receive and respond to questions submitted by attendees during this discussion.

You will receive a confirmation email upon registration, and we look forward to discussing these important issues with you.

Speakers

Mr. Fang Dongkui

Secretary General, China Chamber of Commerce to the EU

Donald Slater

Partner, Competition, Brussels,

Sergej Brauer

Partner, Competition, Frankfurt

Rebecca Lee

Director, Data & Analytics, Ashurst Risk Advisory, London

Chantelle Jalland

Associate Director, Ashurst Advance, eDiscovery and Digital Services EMEA/US, London

The event will be held online. You can click https://ashurst.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iSg10oEXSIKiTXLwdG7NbQ#/registration or scan the QR code below to register.