BACP issues citation against Lyft for failing to report about a driver it kicked off its app

Chicago, IL — The city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) has cited Lyft for failing to notify them that it deactivated driver Fangqi Lu from its platform because of the alleged assault.

The ridesharing company was required to report the driver to the BACP within 48-hours. However, a month later has passed, and Lyft still hasn’t passed the memo.

If Lyft was able to notify the city about Lu’s violent behavior, he would have been blocked off from other ridesharing companies in Chicago.

Meanwhile, Lu was already working as an Uber driver. And just a few weeks after his first violent act – which cost him his job at Lyft – he fatally kicked taxi driver Anis Tungekar in the head after a traffic dispute in the West Loop.

Lu has since fled to China after being charged with murder in Cook County. But since US has no extradition treaty with the country, the chances of him being convicted is very little.

“We are very disappointed with Lyft for failing to notify us about this deactivation, and we are holding them accountable for breaking the law and putting the public in danger,” city spokesman Isaac Reichman told the Sun-Times.

Furthermore, a Lyft spokesperson came forward and said that the company is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation.

“This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the friends and family of Mr. Tungekar. We stand ready to engage with the BACP on next steps.”

Reports state that Lyft could face penalties up to $10,000 for their crime. A hearing is scheduled this August regarding the company’s citation.