Wolt, the food delivery service, is taking significant steps to combat the shadow economy by establishing a dedicated unit for oversight and implementing automatic identification for its couriers. According to the company's CEO Marianne Vikkula, these measures are designed to strengthen the verification of identities and work permits, as well as clarify the rules surrounding the use of courier accounts. Wolt aims to tighten its control and enhance transparency to prevent the use of its platform for illegal or exploitative practices.

The company has acknowledged that it is challenging to become a Wolt courier, leading many to rent their accounts from other couriers. Reports have indicated that some couriers need to pay up to hundreds of euros per month to rent these user accounts, with many transactions often taking place under the table. This situation raises significant concerns about the vulnerability of those renting accounts, particularly as many are immigrants in precarious social positions within society.

With the establishment of this anti-shadow economy unit, Wolt intends to monitor the effectiveness of its new measures to ensure compliance and protect both the platform's integrity and the rights of its couriers. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to ethical labor practices and highlights ongoing issues within the gig economy related to worker rights and accountability.