The Tunisian government suspended Bolt, a ride-hailing giant, and other similar apps on Monday in response to allegations of tax evasion and money laundering.
This decision follows an investigation by the Financial Unit of the National Guard, which uncovered what authorities describe as serious financial misconduct involving these companies.
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Allegations and investigation
The investigation revealed that these companies operated without being duly licensed. They were also accused of funnelling funds overseas, violating Tunisia’s strict foreign exchange regulations.
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According to a Ministry of Interior statement, “The financial division of the National Guard has uncovered suspicions of money laundering and tax evasion among operators of private taxi ride-hailing apps”. Approximately 12 million Tunisian dinars (around $3.8 million) were seized from accounts linked to multiple ride-hailing firms, and their local offices were shuttered.
Bolt, a dominant player in Tunisia’s urban centres like Tunis and Sfax, has been singled out as the primary target. The company, which operates in more than 500 cities across over 45 countries, has denied the allegations.
A spokesman for Bolt stated, “The accusations against Bolt are completely unfounded. All Bolt operations in Tunisia comply with local legislation, which is why we have decided to challenge the initial results of the government investigation.” The spokesman also suggested that the investigation might be part of the Tunisian government’s broader strategy to launch its own ride-hailing app and push foreign companies out of the market.
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Thousands affected as Tunisia suspends ride-hailing apps
The suspension of these ride-hailing services has left thousands of drivers in limbo, as many relied on these platforms for income.
The public transportation system in Tunisia has been underfunded and neglected for years, making ride-hailing apps a crucial alternative for many citizens.
However, integrating traditional taxi drivers into these platforms often led to inflated fares, frustrating users who felt exploited by the system. The Tunisian government’s decision to suspend these services reflects a broader effort to address financial misconduct and regulatory gaps in the transport sector.