Tunisia Investigates Ride-Hailing Apps for Money Laundering Scandal
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TUNIS –
The interior ministry stated on Monday that Tunisia has initiated an inquiry into suspected money laundering and tax evasion related to ride-hailing apps.
The authorities further mentioned that they were halting the operation of these applications.
The finance department of the National Guard has identified potential cases of money laundering and tax evasion involving operators of private taxi-ride hailing applications, according to a ministry statement.
The statement didn’t specify which applications were being referred to, however, an insider acquainted with the situation informed AFP that the primary firm of interest was Bolt, based in Estonia.
The ridesharing application, which serves more than 500 cities across 45 countries, is extensively utilized in Tunisia due to insufficient public transport facilities.
The Tunisian authorities mentioned that they have confiscated approximately 12 million dinars ($3.8 million) from accounts associated with various ride-hailing applications.
It was mentioned that the firms were struck off the commercial registry and their offices closed down due to alleged operation without valid licenses and utilization of fake approvals.
They were likewise charged with illicitly transferring money overseas through the use of bank accounts.
In light of the declining public transport system, Tunisians have become more dependent on ride-hailing services.
Despite being the capital, housing more than two million inhabitants, Tunis has faced significant challenges due to prolonged inadequate investment and disregard for public transportation systems.
President Kais Saied has consistently criticized corruption in the public transit industry.
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