Russian Factory Worker Retains $87,000 from Payroll Blunder

A factory worker in western Russia, Vladimir Rychagov, has found himself at the center of a remarkable story after a clerical error resulted in a payment of approximately seven million rubles (around $87,000 USD) deposited into his account. The unexpected windfall occurred when Rychagov received not only his salary but also payments intended for 34 of his colleagues at a different branch of the company due to a glitch in the accounting software.

Upon realizing the error, Rychagov’s employer quickly contacted him, requesting that he return the funds. However, he has opted to retain the money, prompting his company to escalate their demands. Local media reported that Rychagov faced harassment and threats from his employers, leading him to change his phone number and ultimately flee the area with his family after purchasing a new car.

As tensions grew, the company took legal action, filing a police report against Rychagov, alleging that he conspired with an accountant to defraud them. Following the report, his bank account was frozen as part of the investigation. Fortunately for Rychagov, authorities found no evidence of wrongdoing, resulting in the unfreezing of his account. Despite this, he is still legally obligated to return the funds.

Legal Battle Ahead

Rychagov remains adamant about his right to keep the money and is preparing to challenge the legal requirements in Russia’s Supreme Court. In an interview with Channel 5, he explained that discussions among coworkers about a potential New Year’s bonus had influenced his decision to keep the unexpected payment.

He stated, “After checking the internet, I found that if it was a technical error, it was up to me to return it, but if it was a billing error, I was obligated to return it. Later, I learned it was a technical error and decided I had the right to keep the money.”

This legal case raises questions about the obligations of employees in situations involving payroll errors and the extent to which companies can seek restitution for accidental payments. As Rychagov prepares for his court battle, the outcome could set a significant precedent for similar cases in the future.

With his newfound wealth and the legal ramifications still unfolding, Rychagov’s situation highlights the complex interplay between employee rights and corporate responsibilities in the modern workplace.