Bento Africa Under Fire: Allegations of Fraud and Pension Irregularities Spark Investigation

Bento Africa, a payroll and HR management company operating across multiple African markets, is at the center of a growing controversy following allegations of fraud, tax evasion, and pension mismanagement. The accusations have prompted investigations into the company’s activities, casting a shadow over its operations and raising concerns among its customers and the tech community.

The controversy erupted after several customers came forward, accusing Bento Africa of withholding pension contributions and failing to remit taxes deducted from employees’ salaries. Reports indicate that affected clients include both small businesses and larger organizations, with some alleging losses running into millions of naira.

According to a recent investigation by Techpoint Africa, Bento’s practices have left many employees unable to access their pensions or confirm tax payments to the appropriate authorities. One aggrieved customer revealed, “We trusted Bento to handle our payroll and compliance, but they’ve put us in a precarious position with these unremitted funds.”

TechCabal reported that the ongoing investigation involves multiple regulatory bodies, including Nigeria’s tax authorities and pension fund administrators. Authorities are said to be scrutinizing Bento’s financial records and operational processes to determine the extent of the alleged misconduct.

One source close to the investigation revealed that the company may have failed to comply with statutory obligations for an extended period, potentially affecting the financial security of numerous employees and businesses.

Bento Africa has responded to the allegations, denying any wrongdoing. In a statement released on its official channels, the company maintained that it operates transparently and within legal frameworks. “We are committed to addressing these allegations and cooperating fully with regulatory authorities to resolve the matter,” the statement read.

Despite this assurance, critics argue that Bento’s lack of accountability has eroded trust, particularly as customers demand proof of compliance with tax and pension regulations.

Several affected clients have taken to social media to share their grievances, with some accusing Bento of using customer funds for purposes other than those intended. These claims have fueled public outrage, with many calling for stricter regulations in the payroll and HR management sector.

“I trusted them with my company’s payroll, but this situation has jeopardized my employees’ benefits,” said one business owner. Another added, “We need more oversight in this space to prevent companies like Bento from exploiting businesses and workers.”

The scandal surrounding Bento Africa has sparked broader concerns about transparency and compliance in the tech industry, particularly among startups offering financial and HR-related services. Analysts warn that incidents like this could damage investor confidence and hinder growth in the sector.

“The Bento case highlights the need for companies to prioritize governance and regulatory compliance as they scale. Without these safeguards, businesses risk losing trust and facing severe consequences,” said an industry expert.

In response to the allegations, regulators have vowed to take swift action to protect businesses and their employees. Nigeria’s Pension Commission and Federal Inland Revenue Service are reportedly collaborating to ensure affected parties are compensated and to hold Bento accountable if found guilty.

A spokesperson for the Pension Commission stated, “We are committed to safeguarding the interests of employees and ensuring that organizations fulfill their pension and tax obligations.”

The outcome of the investigation into Bento Africa remains uncertain, but the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and compliance in the tech ecosystem. As regulatory bodies intensify their scrutiny, businesses must prioritize accountability to maintain trust and ensure sustainable growth.

For now, affected customers are left waiting for answers as authorities continue their probe into the allegations.