This is the 17695th most frequent Polish word.
zmowa
An agreement or collusion, often secret, typically for a deceitful or harmful purpose.
In this sentence, 'zmowa' is used in the context of an illicit agreement among cartel members to manipulate market conditions.
Kiedy przedsiębiorcy postanawiają zawyżać ceny, przypomina to zmowę kartelową.
When entrepreneurs decide to inflate prices, it resembles a cartel conspiracy.
Here, 'zmowa' is employed to signify a pact, specifically a mutual agreement to keep silent or withhold information.
Zawsze wierzyłem, że ta sytuacja była wynikiem zmowy milczenia.
I always believed that this situation was the result of a pact of silence.
In this usage, 'zmowa' refers broadly to collusion or conspiracy meant to undermine economic stability.