A Dandora man has pleaded guilty to five criminal charges after retaining and using Sh250,000 erroneously transferred to his bank account.
The case dates back to September 4, 2026, when the complainant accidentally transferred the money to an account belonging to Amos Ochieng.
Detectives from the Wilson Airport launched investigations into the incident and obtained a court order in JKIA Miscellaneous Criminal Application No. E184 of 2026, authorising a probe into the recipient’s bank account.
Investigations established that Ochieng had withdrawn Sh150,000 in three instalments before the bank blocked the remaining balance.
Detectives subsequently launched a manhunt for the suspect, who was arrested at his hideout near Total Petrol Station in Dandora on October 23, 2026.
On October 26, 2026, Ochieng was arraigned before the Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court at JKIA, where he faced five counts, including intentionally withholding an electronic payment delivered in error.
He pleaded guilty to all five counts and was convicted accordingly. He remains in custody pending sentencing on November 17, 2026.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reminded the public that Section 35 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, criminalises the intentional withholding of electronic payments received in error.
The DCI advises anyone who receives money erroneously to notify their bank immediately and follow the official reversal process rather than withdraw or use the funds.
