Tunisian authorities have suspended the operations of ride-hailing giant Bolt, along with several other unnamed companies, as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering and tax evasion, the country’s interior ministry announced on Monday. This probe has already resulted in the seizure of approximately 12 million Tunisian dinars (around €3.5 million) from the accounts of various app-based transport service providers.
According to a statement from the National Guard, which is leading the investigation through its financial division, the companies under scrutiny are suspected of operating without the necessary legal licenses or utilizing “false authorizations.” They are also accused of maintaining undeclared bank accounts, through which they allegedly transferred substantial sums of money abroad, in violation of Tunisian financial regulations.
While the official statement did not disclose the names of the companies involved, a source familiar with the situation confirmed that Bolt, the Estonian-based multinational with a significant presence in Tunisia, is the primary focus of the investigation. Bolt operates with approximately 4.5 million partner drivers worldwide and is particularly popular in Tunisia, especially in major urban centers like Tunis and Sfax, where the public transport infrastructure struggles to meet the demands of the population.
The National Guard’s statement indicated that preliminary investigations by its national unit for investigating complex financial crimes revealed suspicions of money laundering and tax evasion among the managers of these private taxi passenger transport applications. Consequently, the implicated companies have been removed from the national business registry, and their headquarters have been shut down.
This development comes at a time when Tunisians are increasingly relying on private taxi services facilitated by mobile applications for their transportation needs. The public transport system, particularly in the capital Tunis, which has a population exceeding two million, has deteriorated over the past decade due to inadequate maintenance and a lack of investment in its renewal. Tunisian President Kais Saied has previously expressed concerns about corruption within the public transport sector during visits to bus and train depots.
The investigation, overseen by the public prosecutor of the economic and financial judicial division, highlights Tunisia’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and financial crime. However, specific details regarding the alleged money laundering and tax evasion schemes have not yet been fully disclosed by the authorities.
The suspension of Bolt’s operations is likely to affect a significant number of users and drivers in Tunisia. The company has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional taxis, offering convenience and often competitive pricing. The absence of Bolt, along with potentially other ride-hailing platforms, could further strain the already overburdened public transport system and may lead to increased demand for conventional taxi services.
As of Monday afternoon, it remains unclear how long the suspension will last and what steps Bolt and the other implicated companies will need to take to address the allegations and potentially resume their operations in Tunisia. Bolt had not issued an official statement regarding the suspension by Tunisian authorities as of that time.
This case underscores the challenges faced by international technology companies operating in diverse regulatory environments and highlights the importance of adhering to local laws and licensing requirements. It also reflects the growing scrutiny of financial activities within the rapidly expanding ride-hailing sector globally. Further updates on the investigation are anticipated from Tunisian authorities in the coming days.
