Cases of people misusing money wrongfully sent to their phones via M-Pesa have been on the rise in many parts of the Republic of Kenya.
In the most recent incident, police in Mombasa have arrested a man accused of keeping money that was mistakenly sent to his mobile phone.According to reports, the suspect received Ksh 15,000 through Mpesa from an unknown sender.
Despite being contacted several times, he allegedly declined to return the funds.
The sender is said to have made repeated phone calls and sent messages requesting a reversal, but the recipient ignored the pleas and proceeded to use the money.
After unsuccessful attempts to recover the funds, the sender reported the matter to the police.
Officers from the Cybercrime and Forensics Unit launched an investigation and were able to trace the suspect.
He was arrested at his home in Mombasa on the morning of the operation while attending to his normal activities.Authorities confirmed that he is set to be presented before the Mombasa Law Courts, where he will face charges related to obtaining money through unlawful means.
Police have cautioned the public against keeping money sent in error, warning that such actions amount to a criminal offence under Kenyan law.
They urged recipients of mistaken transfers to promptly notify the sender or service provider to facilitate a reversal.
The Kikuyu report has been rendered into English as follows: Police in Mombasa County detained a man who allegedly declined to refund Ksh 15,000 that had been sent to his mobile phone in error through Mpesa.