Court proceedings have unveiled new details of an alleged money laundering scheme involving Mozzartbet Kenya Limited and Kimaco Connections Limited, with investigators claiming the two companies collaborated to conceal the transfer of funds worth hundreds of millions of shillings.
According to evidence presented in court, Mozzartbet allegedly channeled over KSh256 million to Kimaco under the guise of financing digital renovation projects. However, investigators told the court that the funds were diverted back to Mozzartbet’s directors through a series of suspicious transactions.
“Instead of investing in technology, Kimaco funnelled the money back to Mozzartbet directors — Brainimir Melentijeviv, Emmanuel Charumbira, and Musa Cherotich Sirma — through suspicious transfers,” the court heard.
Funds Allegedly Used to Conceal Illicit Transactions
Court documents indicate that the alleged scheme was designed to mask the origin of the funds, making it appear as legitimate business expenditure. Investigators say this was part of a broader pattern of financial irregularities within the betting firm’s operations.
The bank holding the contested funds has reportedly refused to release the money to Mozzartbet, arguing that the cash constitutes proceeds of crime under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA).
Manipulated Marketing Campaigns Under Scrutiny
In addition to financial irregularities, investigators also allege that Mozzartbet engaged in deceptive marketing practices to mislead the public about betting winnings.
Court filings claim that the firm rewarded selected individuals with small tokens, then featured them as major winners in promotional materials, creating a false impression of easy success on its platform.
“The campaigns were structured to manipulate public perception and promote gambling under false pretenses,” reads part of the court record.
Separate Petition Alleges Fraudulent Share Dealings
In a separate but related case, Mozzartbet has been accused of defrauding business partners of shares worth millions of shillings. Petitioners allege that senior executives used coercion and intimidation to deny shareholders their rightful benefits.
Those named in the petition include director Musa Cherotich Sirma and several senior company officials.
The court has directed that the petition proceeds to full hearing next month, noting that the claims raise serious legal and financial questions requiring thorough examination.
Widening Legal Troubles for Mozzartbet
The ongoing proceedings mark a new chapter in Mozzartbet’s growing list of legal challenges. The betting company has faced repeated scrutiny from regulators and investigators over alleged irregular financial dealings, data privacy violations, and shareholder disputes.
Legal analysts say the current case could become a landmark test for Kenya’s enforcement of anti-money laundering laws within the betting and gaming sector, a multibillion-shilling industry that continues to face public criticism for alleged opacity and unethical practices.