TUNIS/ISTANBUL

Tunisian authorities said Monday that they dismantled a money laundering and tax evasion network involving taxi ride-hailing applications.

The General Directorate of National Guards said that these applications were operating without legal licenses, using false permits.

“They exploited unauthorized bank accounts to transfer large sums of money abroad, in a clear violation of applicable regulations,” it added in a statement.

The directorate said around 12 million dinars ($4 million) were seized in the bank accounts of companies operating under these apps, while their activities were suspended and headquarters closed.

It, however, did not name the apps.

Several taxi companies operate via ride-hailing apps in Tunisia, including Bolt, Where Driver, Yessir, and Taxi 216.