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E-scooter operator Voi cuts ties with Russian shareholders

Getty Images Voi e-scootersGetty Images
Two Russian shareholders held a 4% stake in e-scooter company Voi

E-scooter operator Voi has confirmed it has severed its ties with Russia.

The company has stated two of its shareholders with links to Russia, which have never been sanctioned, have been removed.

Earlier this year, West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris called on the provider to reconsider two of its shareholders.

Mr Norris said he was relieved Voi had done "the right thing".

West of England Combined Authority West of England Metro Mayor Dan NorrisWest of England Combined Authority
Dan Norris held talks with Voi boss Fredrik Hjelm in Bristol

Following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, two of Voi's shareholders came under the spotlight.

Russian businessmen Alexander Eliseev and Ilya Yushaevv held a 4% stake in the company, but have never been sanctioned.

Voi currently runs an e-scooter rental scheme across Bristol.

Mr Norris led an international campaign against the Russian links, culminating in face-to-face talks in Bristol with Swedish based Voi boss Fredrik Hjelm.

Mr Norris said he "welcomed the decision" from Voi after residents told him "time and again" that they didn't support the company's Russian links.

A spokesperson from Voi said that the company voluntarily ceased all trading activities with Russia and Belarus following the outbreak of the war.

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