Israel's Road Safety Authority Seeks Criminal Probe Against Wolt
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Israel's National Road Safety Authority has requested a criminal investigation into the delivery company Wolt and its CEO for serious safety violations, including the failure to appoint a traffic safety officer and numerous offenses by its couriers. The authority cited data showing over 214 Wolt vehicles involved in safety incidents and is seeking potential suspension of the company's operations. The NRSA has provided evidence to the police and urged swift action.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's Road Safety Authority seeks criminal probe against Wolt and its CEO for severe safety violations.
- The authority claims Wolt failed to submit a required safety action plan and operates without a traffic safety officer.
- Records show over 214 Wolt vehicles involved in safety incidents, with 20,000 couriers on the platform.
- The NRSA is asking police to consider a court order to halt Wolt's operations in Israel.
- CEO Tomer Cohen is being held personally responsible for the company's alleged non-compliance.
Israel's National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has requested a criminal investigation into the delivery company Wolt and its CEO in Israel, citing severe safety violations. The authority claims Wolt has failed to provide a satisfactory action plan to mitigate risks associated with its delivery couriers, despite ongoing correspondence and demands. The NRSA alleges the company has ignored its requests and has not submitted the required operational plan with measurable goals and timelines.
The NRSA further contends that Wolt operates illegally by not appointing a traffic safety officer and due to the numerous traffic offenses committed by its couriers. The authority highlighted that approximately 20,000 couriers operate on Wolt's platform, and records show over 214 of their vehicles have been involved in safety incidents. This number, the NRSA argues, far exceeds the threshold of 40 vehicles that would legally classify a business as a "factory" requiring a safety officer, regardless of whether the couriers are considered independent contractors.
The authority is also seeking to hold Wolt's CEO, Tomer Cohen, personally responsible. According to the NRSA, Cohen was informed of the obligation to appoint a traffic safety officer since September 2, 2026, but failed to act. The NRSA asserts that the traffic regulations hold the "factory owner" responsible, a definition that includes a manager or anyone with control over the business, thus extending to the CEO.
In its complaint to the police, the NRSA has requested an immediate investigation into Wolt and its CEO for violating traffic regulations and ordinances. Additionally, the authority urged the police to halt the operations of couriers who do not meet legal requirements, increase enforcement against dangerous traffic violations, and consider further measures against the company. Most significantly, the NRSA asked the police to explore the possibility of issuing a court order to cease Wolt's operations in Israel.
The NRSA has provided the police with evidence, including reports of Wolt couriers to emergency services, license plate numbers of vehicles involved in safety incidents, and complaints from the public and local authorities. The authority emphasized the urgency of the matter due to the severity and scope of the risks involved and requested prompt notification of the police's planned actions.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 1Other 1
