Il a été accusé d'avoir "gagné" plus de 1,7 million d'euros en une saison grâce à Uber et Bolt.

A 29-year-old man based in Split has been charged with alleged misuse of trust and authority, tax evasion, and failure to maintain business records. The charge comes after an investigation by the Split County State Prosecutor's Office, which focused on activities spanning May through September 2023—essentially one summer season. The accused is the owner of a limited liability company engaged in taxi services. According to the indictment, he caused damage to the company amounting to nearly €600,000 by withdrawing funds from its account and retaining them without using them for legitimate business purposes. The indictment outlines three main charges against him. First, it accuses him of causing financial harm to the company by misusing its funds. Second, it claims he evaded taxes by failing to report all business transactions. Specifically, he did not declare revenue generated from services provided via Estonian ride-hailing service Bolt and Amsterdam-based Uber, totaling €546,000 and €1.162 million respectively. As a result, he failed to report and pay over €427,000 in value-added tax (VAT). Additionally, he did not declare the base amount for VAT calculation, which amounted to €816,000 for the taxi services rendered, thereby avoiding an additional €204,000 in VAT payments. Third, the indictment states that he concealed business documentation by removing accounting books, thus preventing officials from the Tax Administration from conducting inspections. These actions allegedly allowed him to conceal his financial dealings and avoid scrutiny from regulatory bodies. The indictment highlights the scale of the alleged misconduct, particularly given the high volume of income derived from digital platforms such as Uber and Bolt during a single tourist season. The case involves multiple legal aspects, including corporate governance, tax compliance, and record-keeping obligations. The accused’s company operated within the taxi industry, a sector known for its reliance on digital payment systems and platform-based operations. This context raises questions about how such businesses manage their financial reporting and tax liabilities, especially when operating across different jurisdictions. The indictment suggests that the individual exploited loopholes or failed to comply with existing regulations, leading to substantial losses for both the company and the state treasury. Authorities have emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate business records and fulfilling tax obligations. The indictment serves as a warning to other business owners about the consequences of non-compliance with fiscal laws. It also underscores the role of digital platforms in modern commerce and the challenges they pose for regulatory oversight. The accused faces potential penalties that could include fines and imprisonment, depending on the outcome of the trial. The case is currently under review by the court, and further proceedings will determine the validity of the charges. Legal experts suggest that the prosecution must provide sufficient evidence to prove intent and negligence on the part of the defendant. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked discussions among local business communities about the need for greater awareness of tax and accounting requirements, particularly for companies relying heavily on online services. The Split County State Prosecutor's Office has indicated that the investigation into this case is ongoing, and additional information may emerge as the legal process unfolds. Until then, the accused remains free on bail while awaiting trial.