On Tuesday, March 25, Tunisia made headlines by shutting down several popular ride-hailing apps, including Bolt, due to a large investigation into money laundering and tax evasion.
Officials said these companies had been operating without the right licenses, using fake permits, and moving millions of dollars to foreign bank accounts without declaring them. As of now, around 12 million dinars (about $4 million) have already been seized, and the companies involved have been removed from Tunisia’s business registry.
While not all of the ride-hailing apps have been officially named, reports show that Bolt is a main target of the investigation. The Estonian-based app is widely used in Tunisia, especially in cities like Tunis and Sfax, where public transportation is often unreliable.
Officials from Tunisia’s National Guard’s financial crimes unit said they discovered some shady financial activities by managers of these ride-hailing companies. Their offices have been closed down, and their businesses are no longer allowed to operate. Although the crackdown is aimed at fighting financial crime, it also means that thousands of drivers and passengers could find themselves with fewer options for getting around.
The timing of this shutdown is not ideal, as Tunisia’s public transport system is already facing big challenges, like poor maintenance and not enough money to keep things running smoothly. Many Tunisians rely on apps like Bolt to get around, especially in busy cities. Now that Bolt and possibly other apps are banned, more people may have to use traditional taxis, which could mean longer wait times and higher prices.
President Kais Saied has been outspoken about corruption in Tunisia’s transport system, often criticizing the country’s bus and train services. This latest move is part of a wider push to stop financial wrongdoing in Tunisia. However, the government has not yet shared full details on how these companies were allegedly involved in money laundering.
It’s still unclear how long the suspension will last or what Bolt and the other apps will need to do to return to the roads. Bolt has not commented on the issue yet, but the company’s absence could cause transportation problems for many Tunisians. Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation continues.
