What is the ruling on an employee who, along with his partners, supplies raw materials to his company at prices lower than the market, but conceals his partnership in the supply process?

The employee is not obligated to inform their company of their membership in the import company. However, it is not permissible for them to cheat in promoting the imported company's goods by misrepresenting their true nature. Scholars differed regarding the permissibility of an agent buying from themselves. The preponderant opinion is that it is permissible if they are explicitly or customarily authorized to do so; otherwise, it is not permissible due to the suspicion of self-preference.