Economy
A 23-year-old woman loses Sh126 million due to money laundering
Thursday, May 25, 2023
A 23-year-old Kenyan woman has lost more than Sh126 million in US dollars sent to her by a Belgian friend two years ago after it was ruled by the Supreme Court as proceeds of crime.
Ms. Villista Nyamathera Njoroge lost millions after the court agreed with the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) to forfeit the funds for the benefit of the state.
The former Nairobi Polytechnic student was sent $914,967 by her boyfriend, Mark D. Messel, allegedly for maintenance.
“In consideration of the evidence, all the materials before me and the law, I am satisfied that the funds in these two accounts are liable to forfeiture by the State,” the judge said, adding that Ms. Njoroge did not indicate the source of the funds.
Also read: Another Sh113m is sent to the student by her frozen boyfriend
Ms Njoroge opposed the petition saying the money was for several projects and she had no business explaining to the ARA how she met Mr De Mesel.
The woman claimed that her boyfriend wired the money to her, stating that she was free to use the money for her children’s financial security.
The state agency stated that Ms. Njoroge was a full-time student and that the transaction pattern in the accounts in issue and one of De Mesel’s activities depicted money laundering activities.
The judge rejected De Mesel’s explanation saying it only showed that he transacted shares through a brokerage firm but failed to explain the source of the funds.
“There is a clear money laundering aspect to the money,” the judge said.
Ms. Njoroge also rejected the allegations of money laundering, saying the application by ARA was speculative and against her economic rights and the courts should not be used to assist ARA agencies to interfere with her rights.
“The defendant obtained sweeping and drastic orders against me without physically disclosing whether due financial procedures were not adhered to in transferring funds to me,” she said.
Documents filed in court showed that the Belgian sent $22,980 on August 4, 2021, followed by $231,980 the next day. On August 6, he transferred the money twice $224,980 and $227,980, alarming the state agency.
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