A man has sparked widespread debate online after reportedly choosing one year in prison instead of repaying a bank that mistakenly transferred $1.05 million into his account.
According to reports, the massive sum was deposited into the man’s bank account due to an internal error. When the mistake was discovered, the bank demanded the full amount be returned. However, instead of agreeing to repay the funds, the man allegedly opted to serve a one-year prison sentence as part of a legal resolution.
The case has divided public opinion. Some people criticized the decision, arguing that keeping money that doesn’t belong to you is unethical regardless of the circumstances. Others questioned how such a large banking error could occur in the first place and whether the punishment fits the situation.
Legal experts note that accidentally receiving money does not make it legally yours, and spending or refusing to return it can be considered fraud in many jurisdictions. While prison time may resolve criminal charges, it does not always erase civil liability, meaning repayment could still be pursued depending on the case.
Details surrounding how much of the money was spent and whether the bank will continue legal action have not been fully disclosed.
The incident has reignited conversations about banking responsibility, financial ethics, and the consequences of exploiting system errors.