China Expands Investigation Into Uber

Topics:  Uber

VOA News
7 May 2015

Chinese officials in the southwestern city of Chengdu have visited the offices of Uber, as part of what appears to be a widening investigation into the mobile taxi-hailing service.

A spokeswoman with Chengdu's transportation commission says officials conducted interviews and gathered information during the Wednesday visit. She provided no other details.

Last week, police raided Uber offices in the southern city of Guangzhou. State media reported that officials there were investigating whether the company was properly licensed.

Uber operates in nine Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. However, it has far fewer users than its domestic rivals, such as Kuaidi Dache and Didi Dache.

The Chinese Internet giant Baidu last year announced it was buying an undisclosed stake in the U.S.-based taxi app operator, which is valued at $40 billion.

Uber is battling lawsuits in a string of countries for unfair competition. Complaints have also arisen concerning drivers who are not properly vetted.