By ToI Staff
The Israel Tax Authority is investigating Wolt, the popular delivery company, for suspected tax fraud amounting to tens of millions of shekels. Eliya Ohad Yosefyan, Wolt’s chief operating officer in Israel, was detained on Monday following the authority’s request and has since been released under strict conditions by the Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court.
The Tax Authority describes Yosefyan as a “central figure in the operations of Wolt Enterprise.” He is accused of using fictitious invoices from a company known as “TBO” to facilitate tax evasion. According to financial outlet Calcalist, such invoice schemes are prevalent in the courier industry. The invoices in question are believed to represent non-existent transactions or to have inflated values.
The fraudulent transactions are alleged to total NIS 230 million (approximately $61.97 million), enabling Wolt to write off NIS 33.5 million ($9.02 million). Authorities also suspect that Wolt has committed additional tax-related offenses over time.
In response to the allegations, Wolt stated, “We always operate according to the law, adhering to strict international standards. We are fully cooperating with the authority and providing all necessary information regarding the involved parties.”
Wolt employs couriers as freelancers, allowing them the flexibility to choose their working hours. This business model has drawn criticism, particularly regarding the protection of couriers’ rights. Investigations by Ynet have revealed that some couriers working through contractors have not received their full salaries and have faced various rights violations, including tax-related issues.
Although Wolt claimed to have ceased hiring couriers through contractors in 2022, reports indicate that this practice may still be occurring.