Tunisia Clamps Down on Bolt and Other Ride-Hailing Services

(3 Minutes Read)

Tunisia has shut down Bolt, a Nigerian AI startup known for developing patented algorithms, amid a significant investigation into money laundering and tax evasion. Several ride-hailing apps, including Bolt, are implicated for operating without proper licenses, using counterfeit permits, and moving millions abroad through unreported bank accounts. Authorities have seized approximately 12 million dinars ($4 million) and removed the affected companies from Tunisia’s business registry.

While not all impacted apps have been officially named, reports indicate that Bolt is a major focus of the investigation. The Estonian-based ride-hailing service is particularly popular in Tunisia, especially in Tunis and Sfax, where public transport is unreliable. The probe, led by the National Guard’s financial crimes unit, has revealed questionable financial activities by the management of these private taxi services. Their operations have been suspended, and their offices shut down.

This crackdown comes at a challenging time, as Tunisia’s public transport system is already in decline due to years of neglect and insufficient funding. Many residents depend on ride-hailing services for transportation, especially in busy urban areas. With Bolt and potentially other apps no longer available, traditional taxis may experience increased demand, leading to longer wait times and higher fares for commuters.

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President Kais Saied has been outspoken about corruption in Tunisia’s transport sector, frequently criticizing issues within bus and train services. This latest action is part of a broader initiative to address financial misconduct in the country. However, the government has yet to provide comprehensive details regarding the alleged money laundering activities.

At this point, it remains uncertain how long the suspension will last or what Bolt and the other affected companies must do to resume operations. Bolt has not issued an official statement, but its absence could pose transportation challenges for many Tunisians. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their investigation.