DCI says prosecutors approved charges against Dickson Yiaile Sitei after investigators examined an erroneous payment into his account.
Detectives have arrested Dickson Yiaile Sitei over allegations that he spent Sh6.7 million received through a mistaken bank transfer. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said officers arrested him on Saturday along Lantana Road in Westlands, Nairobi.
The DCI said Sitei allegedly spent the money despite requests to return it. He remains in custody awaiting arraignment, and the allegations against him remain unproven.
How the mistaken bank transfer occurred
According to the DCI, a company was processing 74 electronic payments when the error occurred. The payments included Sh72,000 in rent owed to Sitei for the company’s shop in Suswa.
However, a processing error sent an additional Sh6,744,354 to his account. That money was intended for another company, separate from the rent payment owed to him.
The company subsequently sought to recover the extra funds. Investigators allege that Sitei instead spent the money despite requests for its return.
Prosecutors direct charges
Detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit investigated the transaction and forwarded their file to prosecutors. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions then reviewed the case and directed that Sitei face charges.
The proposed charge concerns intentional withholding of an erroneously delivered payment. It falls under Section 35 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, No. 5 of 2018.
Sitei is also expected to face a money laundering charge under the Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering Act. However, prosecutors have yet to present the charges before a court.
DCI warns against retaining erroneous payments
Meanwhile, the DCI cautioned the public against treating money mistakenly credited to their accounts as their own. The agency said deliberately retaining or spending such funds could lead to criminal charges.
It also urged recipients to ensure the return of money transferred in error. The warning covers deliberate withholding of the funds, as well as spending them.
