Bank scam: Woman  loses Shs20m salary

A local microfinance bank is on the spot over alleged theft of more than Shs20 million of a two-year salary belonging to a woman who was working as a maid in Jordan, Middle East.

It is alleged that on February 24, Ms Irene Beyowa, deposited Shs20m with Money Gram, an international money transfer system in her names, which she was supposed to withdraw upon arrival in the country.

In a complaint before the police, upon arrival in the country, Ms Beyowa proceeded to Money Gram agents who told her her reference was invalid and they advised her to contact the sender.

Upon inquiry from an agent in Katwe suburb, Kampala, Ms Beyowa contends that they told her that her money had been withdrawn but did not disclose any information about who had withdrawn the money.

But documents indicate that the money was withdrawn from Pride Microfinance bank, Entebbe Road Branch, hardly a day after it was sent and that the suspected fraudster used a driving permit for identity.

Mr Charles Twine, the spokesperson of the police Criminal Investigations Department (CID), confirmed the development, saying the matter is under investigation.

“We have established the physical person who took the money as well as the fraudulent documents used among them a driving permit. The good news is that we are optimistic the suspect will be arrested,” he said.

Mr Twine also indicated that the CID detectives are establishing the extent of negligence or probable connivance against individuals in the bank (Pride Microfinance Bank); “if we establish so, we shall cause prosecution.”

“We also encourage the victim through her lawyers to undertake a civil matter to recover her money because criminal proceedings may not cause orders for recovery,” Mr Twine said while appealing to the public to always report such cases to the CID.

“CID have built competence that can investigate fraud of whatever nature and, therefore, the public should find comfort to bring such cases to us,” he added. 

The case was first reported at Katwe Police Station before it was brought to the CID where detectives have since established how the crime was orchestrated.

In a letter to Pride Microfinance Bank, Beyowa through her lawyers of Muwema and Company Advocates has asked the bank to refund her money with immediate effect.

It is alleged that Ms Beyowa’s employer in Jordan was informed of the theft and has since been contacted by Interpol.

“A report from Interpol revealed that her money had been withdrawn from your Entebbe Road Branch with the stamp and authorisation of the operations supervisor and teller,” reads the lawyer’s letter, alleging that the state of affairs makes Pride Microfinance Bank culpable.

The Pride Microfinance Bank’s Head of Development and Marketing, Mr Deo Kateizi, confirmed the development, saying it is unfortunate.

“I am aware of the matter but it is very unfortunate that it happened. As an organisation, we are investigating it. We are working with Money Gram to get to the bottom of the matter,” he said.

Mr Kateizi said the matter will be resolved as soon as possible.