Detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit (BFIU) have arrested a man accused of spending more than Sh6.7 million that was mistakenly credited to his bank account during a company’s electronic payment transactions.
The suspect, identified as Dickson Yiaile Sitei, was arrested on Saturday along Lantana Road in Westlands, Nairobi, 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 a legitimate rent payment of Sh72,000 owed to Sitei for the company’s 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 Sitei’s bank account.
According to the DCI, efforts to recover the erroneously transferred funds were unsuccessful, with Sitei allegedly opting to spend the money instead of returning it to the rightful owner.
The incident prompted investigations by detectives, who subsequently forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and directions on possible charges.
Following the review, the ODPP directed that Sitei face charges of intentionally withholding an erroneously delivered payment, contrary to Section 35 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, No. 5 of 2018, and money laundering, contrary to Section 3(b)(1), as read with Section 16(1)(a) of the Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering Act, Cap 59A.
Sitei remains in custody as detectives complete his processing ahead of his expected arraignment in court.
The DCI has cautioned members of the public against spending money mistakenly deposited into their bank accounts, warning that such funds do not automatically become the recipient’s property.
“Money mistakenly credited to your account does not become yours simply because it is within your reach,” the agency warned.
The DCI further stressed that the law requires recipients to return funds transferred to them in error, cautioning that anyone who deliberately withholds or spends such money risks facing legal action.
