Bouaziz’s Location Complicates Rippling’s Legal Battle in Ireland

Now Deel’s practices are under a harsh spotlight as allegations against its executive, Bouaziz, mount, even as he continues to live in Dubai. Just last week, French bailiffs tried to find Bouaziz at a Paris apartment without success. This is a huge development and creates significant obstacles to Rippling. The corporation is now serving as plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit against Deel in Ireland and trying to serve Bouaziz with legal documents.

Bouaziz is accused of paying Keith O’Brien, an employee of Rippling who was located in Ireland. According to reports, Asif Malik, Deel’s legal director, allegedly offered to relocate O’Brien to Dubai and cover his legal expenses in exchange for his non-cooperation with Rippling. Malik, originally a UK citizen, had recently relocated to Dubai. This act complicates his situation instantly, as the UAE’s legal environment offers numerous challenges for extradition.

Over the decades, the UAE has established an enviable reputation as a safe haven for those escaping extradition. This woeful state of affairs has sent shockwaves across European policymakers. Bouaziz’s father, the CFO of Deel, willingly exposes his whereabouts on social media. On platform X, he referred to it as UAE. Internal correspondence seen by TechCrunch suggests that Bouaziz and his attorney are currently in Dubai.

Rippling’s efforts to serve Bouaziz with legal papers have been impeded by his ongoing whereabouts. The UAE government has repeatedly stated its dedication to working with international law enforcement investigations. More recently, they have accelerated the extradition process for some long-wanted felons. Even the complications in Bouaziz’s case could pose major hurdles.

In response to the lawsuit, Bouaziz strongly denies any wrongdoing. Deel has so far declined to comment publicly on the ongoing litigation. In the meantime, Alex and Philippe Bouaziz continued to refuse all allegations levied against them. As the situation unfolds, it remains uncertain how these developments will impact Deel’s operations and its legal standing in the dispute with Rippling.