Ride-sharing giants Bolt and Uber embroiled in "phantom firm" swindle scandal
In a shocking revelation, an investigation conducted by rbb has uncovered the suspected illegal activities of at least 10 companies in Germany. These companies, operating without any physical location or legal address, have been labelled as "ghost companies."
These ghost companies, which are believed to be operating via popular ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow, are said to be creating fake firms with the intention of defrauding the state.
According to the investigation, these companies rent a headquarters briefly to obtain necessary approvals, only to shut them down shortly after to reduce costs while continuing to operate on the aforementioned platforms. This practice is concerning as it raises questions about the legitimacy of these companies and their compliance with local laws.
Moreover, these ghost companies are not providing the legally required facilities such as offices, break rooms, or parking spaces for vehicles. In addition, many of these companies were found to be paying minimal or no accident insurance, which is a significant safety concern for both drivers and passengers.
Transport policy spokesperson Tino Schopf (SPD) has labelled these companies as engaged in organized crime, highlighting the severity of the situation. However, it's important to note that at the current time (mid-2025), no widely reported or official investigation has been documented linking Uber, Bolt, or FreeNow in Germany to these illegal ghost company operations.
The reporter was told by an individual at an alleged office of a registered company that they are "ghost companies." This individual warned the reporter not to name them, fearing potential retaliation from the companies.
The investigation is ongoing, and it's crucial that all parties involved adhere to the law and ensure the safety and security of their drivers and passengers. If you have any information regarding these ghost companies or any similar illegal activities, it's essential to report it to the appropriate authorities.
This story will be monitored for updates, and we will continue to bring you the latest developments as they unfold.
In the ongoing investigation, it has been revealed that these ghost companies, operating within Germany's business sector and disguising themselves as ride-hailing partners like Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow, are suspected of committing financial fraud by creating fake firms and evading general-news regulations. Furthermore, these companies are alleged to be non-compliant with local laws, as they have been found to provide no legal facilities and, in some cases, minimal or no accident insurance for their drivers and passengers, raising serious crime-and-justice concerns.
