That’s how easily the companies release the security lock

Serial rapist Abdirashid Mohamud locked women in his Bolt taxi and subjected them to sexual violence. During the six months he assaulted women, no one suspected him. But Bolt knew that Abdirashid had risky behaviour, as he had followed a customer into the flat after a trip.

Even though Bolt blocked him, they unblocked him again after a conversation. Cold facts have investigated how easy it is to get the lock released at the two taxi companies that rely on a lock system.

Revealed – with hidden camera

With a hidden camera, Kalla fakta’s reporter talks to about ten drivers and truck owners. On the recordings, drivers who drive for Uber and Bolt are heard saying that it is easy to get their block released at the companies.
“They want the driver to work, so they solve the problem,” the driver can be heard saying on the recording.

All the drivers and truck owners we talk to confirm the same thing: It’s easy to get your block released with Bolt and Uber.

Lina Dahlander is head of Sweden at Bolt. She does not agree that it is easy to get her hold on the company released.

– I do not share that image. It depends on what kind of block we have. Depending on the driver and depending on which incidents apply, we will conduct an investigation and see if the driver should be allowed to continue or not, says Lina Dahlander.

“Lulled into a sense of false security”

Uber also doesn’t think they’re letting up on the restrictions lightly, saying they have specialized safety teams involved in the decisions.

Maryam Arfaoui has represented several women who were victims of sexual crimes in taxis and is critical of the companies’ security work.

– You expect this to be a safe and secure way to get home. At the same time, you are lulled into a false sense of security, says Maryam Arfaoui.