Zambian mobile money agent arrested for gambling away clients’ funds
When Obby Chishala was confronted about the missing funds, he fabricated a story about an armed robbery to cover his tracks.
Zambia.- A 37-year-old mobile money agent from Chingola has been arrested and charged with theft for gambling away his clients’ money and providing false information. Obby Chishala, a former super-agent for Lamba Zambia Limited, allegedly lost K97,000 (€4,300) belonging to nine clients in an online betting spree.
When Chishala was confronted about the missing funds, he fabricated a story about an armed robbery to cover his tracks. He said he was robbed of K110,000 (€4,900) and his Itel phone (K400 / €18) by three men in a black Mark X at 13:20 on November 4, while cycling on Close Road near Jacaranda School in Mikiloni Township. Commanding Officer Peacewell Siandenge recounted Chishala’s claim: “Fearing for his life, the victim allegedly handed over the cash and his Itel phone valued at K400 before being pushed out of the vehicle.”
However, during the investigation, the police found the phone Chishala said was stolen at his home. Upon examination of the device, authorities discovered evidence showing that Chishala had used the missing funds to place Aviator wagers.
Siandenge explained: “Brief facts of the matter are that Chishala is a former super mobile money agent contracted to sell float to other agents under Lamba Zambia Limited. It was later discovered that he had a shortage of K50,000 with his contractor, leading to his super agent SIM card being blocked. His clients, however, were unaware that their float supplier’s contract had been suspended.”
The K97,000 he received from the nine mobile money agents was intended for float. However, instead of sending float to his clients, Chishala used the money to gamble on Aviator and lost everything.
Currently held at Chingola Central Police Station, Chishala now faces charges of stealing funds as a trusted handler and filing a false report with the police.
