Tunisia to suspend Bolt for alleged tax evasion, launch state-backed ride-hailing app

Tunisia wants to suspend Bolt, one of the country’s leading ride-hailing apps, over allegations of tax evasion, money laundering, and operating without proper licences. Transport ministry officials said in a statement that they seized 12 million dinars ($3.8 million) from accounts linked to several apps, including Bolt, claiming the funds were illegally transferred abroad.

The crackdown comes as Tunisia prepares to launch a state-backed ride-hailing app to control fares and regulate the sector. The transport ministry claims the yet-to-be-named app will cap prices at 1.5 times the traditional taxi metre rate and address drivers’ demands for higher rates.

“This national app will provide services to all passengers via registered taxis and official channels,” the ministry said in a statement. “It will offer features similar to those found in other international platforms, including digital payments and real-time tracking.”

Bolt has denied the allegations, describing them as “completely unfounded.”

“All local authority actions have been taken without the involvement of an investigating judge,” Bolt told TechCabal. “We have not been allowed the opportunity to contest the authorities’ allegations, which has prevented us from defending our rights.”

Bolt said banning foreign ride-hailing companies would “create a worrying precedent” and harm market competition. The company insisted that its operations in the country follow local laws. 

The ministry claims the plan is part of efforts to reform the transport sector and “help preserve the local market and ensure revenues stay within Tunisia, unlike foreign-based apps that transfer earnings abroad.”

Several other ride-hailing apps, including Yassir, Heetch, and local platform Amigo, currently operate in the country. However, major international players like Uber and Careem have yet to enter the Tunisian market.

“Bolt ride-hailing services will remain fully operational in Tunisia, and our drivers and customers will be able to use the app as usual,” the company said.

With the government tightening its grip on the ride-hailing industry, the battle over market control—and foreign firms’ role in it—is far from over.