Tunisia is moving to suspend Bolt, a European ride-hailing app, over allegations of tax evasion, money laundering, and operating without the necessary licences.

The transport ministry announced that it had seized 12 million dinars (£3 million) from accounts linked to several ride-hailing platforms, including Bolt, claiming the funds had been illegally transferred abroad.

This crackdown comes as Tunisia prepares to launch a state-backed ride-hailing app aimed at regulating the sector and controlling fares.

The transport ministry stated that the forthcoming app, yet to be named, would cap prices at 1.5 times the traditional taxi metre rate and address drivers’ demands for higher fares.

“This national app will provide services to all passengers through registered taxis and official channels,”

the ministry said in a statement.

“It will include features similar to those offered by international platforms, such as digital payments and real-time tracking.”

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

“All actions by the local authorities have been taken without the involvement of an investigating judge,”

Bolt told TechCabal.

“We have not been given the opportunity to challenge the authorities’ claims, which has prevented us from defending our rights.”

The company warned that banning foreign ride-hailing firms would “set a worrying precedent” and harm market competition.

Bolt maintained that its operations in Tunisia comply with local laws.

The transport ministry said the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at modernising the transport sector and “preserving the local market by ensuring revenues remain within Tunisia, unlike foreign-based apps that transfer earnings abroad.”

Several ride-hailing apps currently operate in Tunisia, including Yassir, Heetch, and the local platform Amigo.

However, major international players such as Uber and Careem have yet to enter the market.

“Bolt’s 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 stated.

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

Featured image credit: edited from freepik