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The
indictment of Uber BV is a test case seeking judicial assessment
of possible complicity by the company in illegal acts by its
drivers, Copenhagen police's top prosecutor Vibeke Thorkil-Jensen's
said in a news release.
An Uber driver in Denmark was convicted last month of violating
taxi laws and fined 6,000 Danish crowns ($855), the latest blow
to the ride-hailing service that has stirred protest and legal
action worldwide. A second driver was sentenced in absentia
after failing to appear in court.
Uber has run into legal hurdles in numerous countries and some
of its drivers, who are not covered by strict licensing and
safety rules, have been convicted of operating illegal taxi
services.
This is the first time Uber itself has been indicted in Denmark.
"We welcome the opportunity to clarify our legal position to the
prosecutor," an Uber spokesperson told Reuters, adding that the
company is encouraged by recent indications that the Danish
government intends to "modernize" regulations.
The Copenhagen prosecutor will initially seek to fine Uber
30,000 Danish crowns, Thorkil-Jensen said. If the court rules
against Uber, the prosecutor said that separate fines could be
sought for any future violations by Uber drivers.
A date has yet to be set for the case to be heard in
Copenhagen's city court, the prosecutor said.
Uber that said its ride-hailing app will continue to be
available in Denmark while the process is ongoing.
(Reporting by Nikolaj Skydsgaard; Editing by David Goodman)
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