PARIS – Uber is at risk of millions of euros in damages and fines and having two top executives banned from running the ride-hailing company in France as their trial wraps up in a Paris court.
The San Francisco-based company is in trouble in France over its now-suspended low-cost UberPop service, which connected clients to non-professional drivers, infuriated French taxi drivers and prompted the criminal charges. Uber continues to operate its standard service with registered professional drivers.
Thursday is the last day of their high-profile trial. The verdict may come at a later date.
Thibaud Simphal, general manager for France, and Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, chief for Europe, Middle East and Africa, are accused of complicity in practicing an illegal taxi activity. Charges also include deceptive commercial activity and violation of French privacy law.
