Tunisia – Corruption Probe Unveils Taxi License Scandal in Manouba: Executive Faces Warrant

The fifth investigating judge at the Court of First Instance of Manouba has issued an arrest warrant against an executive from the governorate of Manouba. The warrant is part of a broader inquiry initiated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, concentrating on suspicions related to license applications for “Laouage” taxis. The spokesperson for the Manouba Court of First Instance, Sondes Al-Nawawi confirmed.

The investigation encloses charges of bribery of a public official, acceptance of gifts and benefits, facilitation of actions connected to official duties, breach of regulations for profit-seeking operations, and the manipulation and use of fraudulent administrative documents.

The Third Central Division of the Research Sub-Directorate of the National Guard in Aouina conducted interviews with implicated parties, leading to the retention of five people, including administrative staff and taxi drivers. Further, five others, including a former commissioner, two administrators, and two taxi drivers, were referred for further scrutiny, with one of them placed in prison.

The scandal revolves around taxi (rental) licenses, where initial authorizations were given without obtaining proper licenses. Subsequent audits revealed falsification of administrative documents and errors in the addresses of applicants, as confirmed by a security source to TAP. T