Detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigation Unit (BFIU) have arrested a man accused of spending Sh6.7 million that was mistakenly deposited into his bank account.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) identified the suspect as Dickson Yiaile Sitei, who was arrested on Saturday, 24 October 2026, along Lantana Road in Westlands, Nairobi.
According to the DCI, the incident occurred on 18 November 2025 when a company processed 74 electronic payments, including a legitimate rent payment of Sh72,000 owed to Sitei for its shop in Suswa.
Arrested suspect. Photo: Courtesy.
However, a processing error resulted in an additional Sh6,744,354 intended for another company being deposited into Sitei’s bank account.
The DCI reported that the company later sought to recover the funds, but Sitei allegedly spent the money instead of returning it.
The incident prompted an investigation, after which detectives forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review.
Following the review, the ODPP recommended charges against Sitei for intentionally withholding an erroneously delivered payment, contrary to Section 35 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, No. 5 of 2018.
He is also expected to face a money laundering charge under Section 3(b)(1), as read with Section 16(1)(a) of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, Cap 59A.
The suspect remained in custody undergoing processing as he awaited arraignment in court, according to the DCI.
The agency warned members of the public against spending money mistakenly credited to their accounts, noting that such funds do not automatically become the recipient’s property.
The DCI urged anyone who receives an erroneous payment to return the money, warning that deliberately withholding and spending such funds could lead to criminal charges.
