Uber has agreed to pay 2.3 million euros to resolve a Dutch regulatory investigation into its UberPop service, which violated local taxi licensing laws, according to prosecutors.
The settlement includes a 2.025 million euro fine and 309,409 euros in recovered criminal gains, following a 2015 probe into the app-based service that connected unlicensed drivers with passengers.
Dutch authorities alleged Uber bypassed legal requirements by allowing drivers without official taxi licenses to operate, creating unfair competition. In the Netherlands, taxi operators must complete approved training, submit medical certifications, and use vehicles equipped with onboard computers to monitor driving hours.
Uber discontinued UberPop in 2015 but continued offering services with licensed professionals in the country. The company also faced separate penalties in 2016 for concealing a data breach affecting 57 million users globally, which led to a $148 million payment to U.S. authorities.
The Dutch prosecution stated the settlement demonstrates Uber's commitment to complying with local regulations, marking another regulatory challenge for the ride-hailing giant amid ongoing legal scrutiny across Europe.
