Court Ruling Uncovers Mozzartbet’s Corrupt Practices
In a significant decision, the Court of Appeal judges—Francis Toiyott, Fred Ochieng, and Aggrey Muchelule—dismissed Mozzartbet Kenya’s attempt to recover Ksh256 million that had been confiscated by the government. The court determined that the money was acquired through dubious dealings, and Mozzartbet failed to provide a convincing justification for its claims.
The Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) had been investigating the case and uncovered a troubling connection between the funds, shell companies, and individuals associated with Mozzartbet. Although Mozzartbet argued that the money was for a legitimate software contract with Kimaco Connection Ltd, the court found this assertion unconvincing. Investigators discovered that Kimaco lacked the necessary resources to develop or deliver betting software, having no employees, income, or infrastructure, and had even submitted nil returns to the Kenya Revenue Authority.
Instead of investing in technology, Kimaco merely redirected the funds back to Mozzartbet’s directors—Branimir Melentijevic, Emmanuel Charumbira, and Musa Cherutich Sirma—through questionable transactions. Essentially, Mozzartbet was involved in a classic money laundering scheme, paying a fictitious company and then receiving the money back through its own affiliates.
The judges noted that there was ample evidence to implicate Mozzartbet, stating that it could not seek protection from a third party. They aptly summarized the situation by likening Kimaco to a duck, indicating that it was clearly a shell company created solely for laundering illicit funds. This is not the first time Mozzartbet has faced scrutiny; the company was previously caught staging fake jackpot winners in Kenya, using actors to create the illusion of instant wealth for unsuspecting citizens.
These tactics were not just unethical; they were criminal. Many Kenyans, especially the youth and unemployed, chased dreams of instant millions and fell into compulsive betting.
Mozzartbet exploited this desperation, making billions while ordinary families suffered losses and fell into debt.
The strategy was simple: run flashy ads, fake a few millionaires, and rake in money from the masses. Now, with the court confirming that Mozzartbet proceeds were criminal in nature, it’s clear the firm has been conning the public from the start.
Mozzartbet Using Proceeds of Crime to Fund Sports and Buy Credibility
Mozzartbet has long tried to clean its image by injecting huge sums into sports. From sponsoring local football leagues to funding events and athletes, the company positioned itself as a friend of Kenyan sports. But this was all part of a calculated plan to build goodwill while hiding its true operations.
With money now confirmed to be proceeds of crime, all those sponsorships come into question. Was that support meant to uplift sports, or was it a distraction to avoid scrutiny? Investigators believe Mozzartbet used these flashy sponsorships as a cover to legitimize itself, while in reality it was laundering money and misleading Kenyans.
The court ruling blows that cover wide open. The Asset Recovery Agency warned that allowing Mozzartbet to recover the seized millions would amount to endorsing money laundering.
The judges agreed. Kenya’s legal system has sent a clear message: companies that operate on deception and corruption cannot use their influence or money to escape justice.
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