Hong Kong police arrest 21 Uber drivers in sting

epa05450690 (FILE) a file picture dated 18 August 2015 shows car-hailing app service Uber's office in Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China. According to media reports on 01 August 2016, quoting unnamed sources acquainted with the deal, Didi Chuxing is planning to buy its local rival Uber China. The merger deal, which will end bruising competition between the two transportation network businesses, is reported to be valued at 35 billion US dollar in the combined company. Didi Chuxing is said will invest 1 billion US dollar in Uber Global and Uber China investors will receive 20 percent stake in the merged company, media added. EPA/ALEX HOFFORD

HONG KONG: Hong Kong police arrested 21 Uber drivers for carrying passengers without a proper permit following an undercover operation, in the latest setback for the ride-hailing giant. 

The sting comes as the San Francisco company has encountered regulatory roadblocks around the world, despite its huge popularity, and after five Uber drivers in the southern Chinese city were found guilty of operating without proper licences in March.