Illegal taxi network uncovered on social media in Lanzarote
The Lanzarote Cabildo has launched a major crackdown on illegal transport services being promoted across social media and digital platforms, identifying more than 40 unauthorised "taxi" operators currently under investigation.
Many of these operate under misleading labels such as "Uber" despite having no legal authorisation.
The island’s Transport Inspection Service, headed by Councillor Miguel Ángel Jiménez, is leading the effort in response to what officials describe as a growing and organised network of unlawful passenger transport services.
So far, inspectors have detected over 40 different phone lines linked to these unlicensed services, which pose serious risks to passenger safety and constitute unfair competition to legal taxi drivers and licensed transport companies.
“This is both a safety and a legality issue,” said Oswaldo Betancort, President of the Cabildo. “These illegal services do not guarantee driver training, vehicle safety standards, or insurance coverage. We are taking firm action and ask the public to act responsibly.”
Jiménez echoed this, warning that these operations fall entirely outside the law and damage the livelihoods of properly licensed taxi drivers. “We are increasing inspection campaigns in coordination with local police and the Guardia Civil, and applying appropriate sanctions.”
Officials stress that these illegal vehicles do not undergo mandatory technical checks, and drivers may lack valid licences or any formal training. In the event of an accident or crime, neither the vehicle nor the driver is accountable under legal transport frameworks, leaving passengers exposed and unprotected.
Under the Canary Islands’ Road Transport Law (Law 13/2007), offering transport services without a valid licence is considered a very serious offence, carrying fines between €4,001 and €6,000 and the immediate immobilisation of the vehicle.
Authorities also note that merely advertising these services on social media or unregulated platforms is grounds for punishment.
“We urge residents and tourists alike to use only authorised public transport services,” said Jiménez, “and avoid contracting travel through unverified sources that cannot ensure safety or legality.”
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