The Maxim, TUDA and TAXSEE taxi apps will be removed once a court ruling in the case takes effect, the Executive Agency Automobile Administration said. The Chief Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (GDBOP) has already formally asked Google Play and the App Store to take them down.

The Administrative Court of Sofia City granted the agency's request, which was filed under Article 106b of the Road Transport Act. The ruling orders the removal of the apps' content, uploaded to MAXIM.PLATFORM and distributed through both stores.

The agency sent the ruling to GDBOP, the Communications Regulation Commission and the Consumer Protection Commission, which are to act within their powers.

A day before the announcement, taxi drivers gathered outside the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia. They want the state to control ride-hailing apps, BTA reported.

A planned car procession was called off because of the national day of mourning.