Detectives have arrested a man accused of spending Sh6.7 million that was mistakenly deposited into his bank account, with prosecutors recommending charges of 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 rent of Sh72,000 owed to the suspect for its shop in Suswa.
However, an error during the transaction process allegedly resulted in an additional Sh6,744,354 intended for another company being deposited into his account alongside the rent payment.
“The company sought the recovery of the funds, but the suspect allegedly spent the money instead of returning it to the rightful owner,” the DCI said in its statement.
The incident prompted an investigation by detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit, who forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review.
Following the review, the ODPP recommended that the suspect face charges of intentionally withholding an erroneously delivered payment, contrary to Section 35 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, and 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 warned members of the public against keeping or spending money mistakenly deposited into their accounts, saying such funds remain the property of the rightful recipient.
“Money mistakenly deposited into your account does not become yours. It should be returned to the rightful owner,” the agency warned.
