By Kenya-Today.com Investigations Desk
Mozzart Bet, one of Kenya’s most visible betting platforms, is now facing serious scrutiny after multiple investigations exposed money-laundering claims, fake jackpot allegations, shady supplier dealings, and looming regulatory sanctions.
While the company presents itself as a community partner—building boreholes and sponsoring sports—it’s what lies beneath the surface that raises eyebrows.
1. The Dirty Money Trail: Sh256 Million Frozen
Court documents filed by Kenya’s Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) revealed that Mozzart Bet wired Ksh 256 million to a firm called Kimaco Connections, allegedly for software licensing. But investigations showed:
The payment lacked clear documentation or deliverables.
Kimaco acted as a shell company to redistribute the funds to other accounts.
The money was channeled in rapid, fragmented transactions through M-Pesa and bank accounts—classic red flags for money laundering.
The High Court ordered the funds frozen, describing them as “proceeds of crime.”
Mozzart Bet denied wrongdoing, stating the funds were for genuine software acquisition. But the Court of Appeal upheld the freezing orders, saying the money trail didn’t add up.
2. Shell Firms and Questionable Contracts
The company claimed that Kimaco Connections would supply gambling software. Yet:
No proof of delivery, software installation, or transfer of licenses was found.
Kimaco, on inspection, had no infrastructure or staff to provide digital services.
Funds were swiftly moved from Kimaco to other accounts, many unnamed or dormant.
What legitimate business moves over Ksh 250 million in days without clear documentation?
3. Legal Battles That Refuse to Die
Mozzart Bet continues to fight in court, arguing the seizure of funds was unconstitutional. But:
The High Court and Court of Appeal have both ruled against them.
The ARA insists the transactions were designed to hide the true source of funds.
Mozzart’s defense revolves around “software upgrades” with no supporting technical records.
These legal setbacks raise questions on how deep this financial manipulation goes—and what other skeletons remain hidden in the betting giant’s books.
4. The Fake Jackpot Allegations
Social media in Kenya has been awash with allegations that some jackpot winners were staged. Several users claimed:
“Winners” could not be traced or interviewed.
The platform recycled images in multiple countries, casting doubt on their legitimacy.
Some alleged “winners” never bet at all.
While no formal legal complaint has been filed on this front, the credibility of the platform has taken a hit. Kenyans have started asking—is that winning smile even real?
5. Mozzart’s Brush with Deportation Threats
Several foreign directors of Mozzart Bet were flagged by immigration authorities in 2022 for:
Failure to comply with financial disclosure laws.
Suspected involvement in tax evasion.
Operating through proxy entities.
There was even an attempt to revoke their work permits and deport them following a recommendation from enforcement bodies. While this never materialized, the message was clear: Mozzart Bet had crossed a line.
6. What This Means for You as a Bettor
These revelations should make you pause.
If you’re using Mozzart Bet, your funds could be frozen at any time if linked to ongoing court cases.
You could lose access to your balances, betting history, or even winnings if operations are suspended.
You might unknowingly be part of a system accused of financial crimes.
Ask yourself:
Have you verified how your deposits are managed?
Do you understand what happens when platforms are shut down under Kenyan law?
7. Hiding Behind Charity?
Mozzart Bet has invested in borehole projects, sports tournaments, and learning institutions. In 2021, it funded 16 boreholes across drought-prone areas, and frequently donates to schools and hospitals.
But should charity be used as a PR shield?
Can community service cancel out alleged illegal financial operations?
Are these gestures meant to distract regulators?
Many argue that real CSR requires integrity, not just donations.
8. Mozzart is Not Alone—The Industry Has a Pattern
Mozzart Bet is just one in a string of betting firms that have faced major scandals:
SportPesa had its license revoked in 2019 over tax issues.
Betin and Betway were flagged for offshore money transfers.
BetBoss vanished from the market overnight after freezing customer accounts.
Mozzart’s fall, if it happens, will not be the first—and likely not the last.
9. What the Government is Doing
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) and the Asset Recovery Agency have increased surveillance on betting platforms:
All high-value transactions are now flagged.
Platforms must disclose beneficial ownership.
Companies linked to shell firms risk permanent license revocation.
Despite this, enforcement remains slow and often politically compromised.
10. So What Should You Do Now?
If you’re a Mozzart Bet user or investor:
Withdraw your funds immediately, especially large balances.
Avoid staking more until the legal cases are resolved.
Monitor regulatory updates from BCLB and CBK.
Ask yourself:
Is betting on a compromised platform worth the risk?
Are your odds better in a system shrouded in court battles?
Mozzart Bet’s public face is polished. But behind that are court documents, suspicious money flows, frozen accounts, and unverifiable winners.
This isn’t a mere misunderstanding. It’s a brewing financial scandal with real victims—ordinary Kenyans who trusted a brand now under legal siege.
As the legal battle drags on, one thing is certain: you are not just betting on games—you’re gambling with your money, your data, and your trust.
