Detectives have arrested a man accused of spending Sh6.7 million that was mistakenly deposited into his bank account, with prosecutors recommending charges related to withholding an erroneously delivered payment and money laundering.
The suspect was arrested on Saturday, October 24, along Lantana Road in Westlands, Nairobi, by detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The case dates back to November 18, 2025, when a company was processing 74 electronic payments, including Sh72,000 in rent owed to the suspect for a shop in Suswa.
However, an alleged transaction error resulted in an additional Sh6,744,354 intended for another company being deposited into the suspect’s account alongside the rent payment.
According to the DCI, the company later sought to recover the money, but the suspect allegedly spent the funds instead of returning them to their rightful owner.
The incident prompted an investigation by detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit, who subsequently forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review.
Following the review, the ODPP recommended charges of intentionally withholding an erroneously delivered payment under Section 35 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, as well as money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering Act.
The DCI said the suspect was in custody undergoing processing ahead of his arraignment in court.
The agency also warned members of the public against spending money mistakenly deposited into their accounts, stressing that such funds do not automatically become the recipient’s property.
“Money mistakenly deposited into your account does not become yours. It should be returned to the rightful owner,” the DCI warned.
The case serves as a reminder that individuals who receive money in error may face legal consequences if they allegedly retain or spend funds belonging to someone else.
