Factory Worker Refuses to Return $87,000 Paid by Mistake

A factory worker in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, is at the center of a legal dispute after being mistakenly paid over 7 million rubles (approximately $87,000) instead of his usual salary. The worker, identified as Vladimir Rychagov, initially believed he had received a substantial bonus, rumored to be a “13th salary” for the year, but soon learned that the payment was an error.

Upon checking his banking app, Rychagov noticed a significant increase in his funds. Instead of the expected 46,000 rubles (about $580), his account showed a deposit of more than 7 million rubles. Initially, he did not question the amount, thinking it might be a reward for good performance at the factory.

However, the situation quickly changed when the company’s accounting department contacted him, explaining that the payment was a technical glitch. The company stated that the funds had been erroneously transferred to Rychagov, intended instead for the salaries of 34 of his coworkers. They demanded he return the money.

Rychagov contested this demand, citing information he found online that suggested he was not legally obligated to return funds sent by mistake. “After checking the internet, I found that if it was a technical error, I didn’t have to return it,” he told Russia’s Channel 5. He argued that since the deposit came from the same company listed on his paycheck and was labeled as “salary,” he believed he had the right to keep the funds.

The situation escalated when Rychagov used part of the money to purchase a car and relocate his family to another city. In response, the factory filed a lawsuit and froze his bank accounts. Although he faced accusations of conspiring with an accountant, those charges were dismissed. Nevertheless, both the trial and appellate courts ruled against him, ordering Rychagov to repay the entire amount.

As the case progressed, Rychagov appealed to Russia’s Supreme Court, which is now reviewing the situation. The factory’s acting CEO, Roman Tudachkov, commented on the matter, stating, “There was no 13th salary involved. It was an erroneous transfer. We have a court order and will handle this through the legal system.”

Despite the legal challenges, Rychagov seems unfazed by the potential consequences. He noted, “December’s salary was credited, plus there were rumors about a large 13th salary. That suggested the facilities closed well.”

While he may ultimately lose the case, Rychagov enjoyed a brief moment of financial windfall, tapping into a scenario many underpaid workers can only dream of. The ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities surrounding payroll errors and the expectations of employees in the workplace.