Prosecutors in South Korea have brought charges against the American founder of smartphone taxi service provider Uber.
The Seoul prosecutor's office on Wednesday issued an indictment against Uber CEO Travis Kalanick for violating a law banning unlicensed taxi services.
Uber matches people seeking rides with drivers through a cell phone application, which also functions as a mobile payment system.
The U.S.-based service has prompted worldwide concerns over passenger safety, especially after a female passenger in New Delhi accused her driver of rape.
Many licensed taxi drivers in cities around the globe also say they are frustrated with what they see as unfair competition from Uber.
Earlier this month, Seoul authorities passed a measure banning unlicensed Uber operators and offering a cash reward for those who report them.
It is not clear how Kalanick will be affected by Wednesday's charges. The Yonhap news agency reported that South Korean officials will not make any arrests over the indictment.
