In a dramatic twist, HR tech startup Rippling's blockbuster lawsuit against competitor Deel has hit a roadblock. According to a report by Irish newspaper Business Post, French bailiffs hired by Rippling have been unable to serve Deel CEO Alex Bouaziz with papers, citing his elusive whereabouts.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this year in Ireland, alleges that Deel paid one of Rippling's employees to spy on the company. The lawsuit includes a sensational affidavit from the alleged spy, which reads like a movie script. Deel has vehemently denied all wrongdoing.

However, Rippling's efforts to serve Bouaziz with papers have been thwarted by the Deel CEO's "highly nomadic" lifestyle, as described by French magazine Challenges. Despite listing his location as Tel Aviv on LinkedIn and New York on X, Bouaziz's exact whereabouts remain unclear. This has left Rippling with no choice but to consider serving him via email, according to the Business Post.

Bouaziz's attachment to France, where he is a citizen, has not made it easier for Rippling to track him down. His listed address in Paris has yielded no results, leaving the French bailiffs hired by Rippling frustrated in their attempts to serve him.

The lawsuit has significant implications for the HR tech industry, where competition is fierce and companies are increasingly looking for ways to gain an edge. If proven, Deel's alleged espionage could have far-reaching consequences for the company's reputation and business operations.

Despite the setback, Rippling remains committed to pursuing the lawsuit, which has already generated significant buzz in the tech community. The company's determination to serve Bouaziz with papers is a testament to its resolve to protect its intellectual property and business interests.

As the lawsuit continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the outcome will have significant implications for the HR tech industry as a whole. Whether Rippling will ultimately succeed in serving Bouaziz with papers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – this is a story that will continue to captivate the tech world for months to come.

Neither Deel, Rippling, nor Bouaziz responded to requests for comment on the matter.