Tunisia desires to droop Bolt, one of many nation’s main ride-hailing apps, over allegations of tax evasion, cash laundering, and working with out correct licences. Transport ministry officers stated in a press release that they seized 12 million dinars ($3.8 million) from accounts linked to a number of apps, together with Bolt, claiming the funds have been illegally transferred overseas.
The crackdown comes as Tunisia prepares to launch a state-backed ride-hailing app to regulate fares and regulate the sector. The transport ministry claims the yet-to-be-named app will cap costs at 1.5 occasions the standard taxi metre charge and tackle drivers’ calls for for larger charges.
“This nationwide app will present companies to all passengers by way of registered taxis and official channels,” the ministry stated in a press release. “It’ll provide options just like these present in different worldwide platforms, together with digital funds and real-time monitoring.”
Bolt has denied the allegations, describing them as “utterly unfounded.”
“All native authority actions have been taken with out the involvement of an investigating choose,” Bolt informed TechCabal. “We’ve not been allowed the chance to contest the authorities’ allegations, which has prevented us from defending our rights.”
Bolt stated banning international ride-hailing corporations would “create a worrying precedent” and hurt market competitors. The corporate insisted that its operations within the nation comply with native legal guidelines.
The ministry claims the plan is a part of efforts to reform the transport sector and “assist protect the native market and guarantee revenues keep inside Tunisia, in contrast to foreign-based apps that switch earnings overseas.”
A number of different ride-hailing apps, together with Yassir, Heetch, and native platform Amigo, presently function within the nation. Nevertheless, main worldwide gamers like Uber and Careem have but to enter the Tunisian market.
“Bolt ride-hailing companies will stay totally operational in Tunisia, and our drivers and prospects will be capable to use the app as common,” the corporate stated.
With the federal government tightening its grip on the ride-hailing trade, the battle over market management—and international corporations’ function in it—is way from over.