A man has reportedly been arrested after allegedly disappearing with KSh 43,320 mistakenly sent to his mobile money account by a businessman who intended to pay his supplier.
The incident, which occurred last Thursday, involved a businessman identified as Zack, who accidentally transferred the money to the wrong number after entering an incorrect digit during the transaction.
The funds instead landed in the account of a man identified by his nickname, Biggie wa Deals, who allegedly opted to keep the money rather than initiate a refund.
According to accounts surrounding the incident, the recipient initially received the transaction notification but allegedly became unreachable shortly afterwards. He reportedly switched off his phone, removed his SIM card and disappeared from his usual residence, leaving the businessman struggling to recover the money.
Zack is said to have made several attempts to contact the recipient through phone calls and text messages, explaining that the money was intended for an urgent supplier payment.
Despite repeated appeals, including a direct request for a refund, the recipient allegedly failed to respond.
After exhausting attempts to reach him, Zack reported the matter and sought assistance through the official mobile money reversal process, alongside efforts to trace the recipient.
Investigations by the concerned security team reportedly led to the identification and eventual location of the registered recipient, who was allegedly traced at a local entertainment establishment.
Preliminary accounts indicate that the suspect had allegedly spent part of the money on entertainment, new clothing and other leisure activities, seemingly enjoying an unusually lavish weekend.
He was eventually apprehended and, when questioned about the missing funds, reportedly claimed that he intended to refund the money after selling a pregnant cow back home.
The suspect was subsequently escorted to police custody, where he is expected to remain as the matter awaits further legal action.
The incident serves as a reminder that mistakenly received mobile money should not be treated as an opportunity for personal gain. Recipients are encouraged to follow official reversal procedures and avoid withdrawing or spending funds that do not belong to them.
Clean money itumaliza!
