Detectives from the Banking Fraud Investigations Unit have arrested TikTok content creator Maximilian Motara, popularly known online as ‘Billionaire Son,’ after a viral video showed him tearing Kenyan currency notes.
The arrest has sparked debate across social media platforms about the legality of destroying money and the growing trend of controversial stunts by content creators seeking viral attention.
Motara drew public attention after a clip circulated widely online showing him tearing several Sh100 banknotes while recording himself on video.
The footage quickly spread across TikTok and other social media platforms, prompting criticism from many Kenyans who viewed the act as disrespectful and unlawful.
Authorities soon launched investigations into the incident.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that officers from its Banking Fraud Investigations Unit tracked down and arrested the suspect following the circulation of the clip.
Investigators say the video appeared to show Motara deliberately ripping the currency notes before discarding them.
The act falls under offences related to the mutilation of legal tender, which is prohibited under Kenyan law.
Kenyan law criminalizes the deliberate destruction or defacement of currency.
Under Section 367A of the Penal Code, it is an offence for any person to willfully tear, cut, deface, or otherwise mutilate a currency note without lawful authority.
Currency notes are considered government-issued legal tender, and their deliberate destruction can attract legal consequences.
Motara is a TikTok personality whose social media content often features flashy lifestyle imagery and provocative videos designed to attract engagement and views.
Like many influencers, he has relied on viral content to build his online profile.
However, the latest stunt has placed him at the center of a legal and public controversy.
The incident has triggered mixed reactions among Kenyans online.
Some users welcomed the arrest, arguing that destroying legal tender is a criminal offence that should be treated seriously.
Others questioned whether law enforcement resources should be used to pursue what they view as a minor act involving relatively small amounts of money.
Motara is expected to be arraigned in court where prosecutors will outline the charges related to the alleged destruction of currency.
The court will then determine whether the TikToker will face formal charges under laws governing the protection of legal tender.
