Laois gardaí warn too many young people are getting caught up in money muling

Laois gardaí have issued a warning about the increase in criminals targeting young people in the county to become money mules. 

A money mule is a person who transfers illegally obtained money between different payment accounts, very often in different countries, on behalf of others. Money mules are also recruited by criminals to receive money into their bank account, in order to withdraw the money and in most cases wire it overseas, receiving a commission payment in return for the provided services. 

"Unfortunately we are seeing far too many of our younger people getting caught up in Money Muling around Laois and Offaly," said the Gardaí.

"Our Crime Prevention Officer says the things that money muling typically takes places using the following methods: seemingly legitimate job adverts (e.g.: ‘money transfer agents’) seemingly legitimate online posts direct approach in person or through email social media (i.e. Facebook posts on closed groups) messages sent through instant messaging apps (e.g.: Whatsapp, Viber) And that the typical profiles targeted are: Newcomers to the country (often targeted soon after arrival) as well as the unemployed, students and people in economic distress are the most susceptible to the crime."

Men are more likely than women to be targeted to become a mule, as are those aged 18-34 years compared to people aged 55+. 

"Even if money mules are not involved in the crimes which generate the money (cybercrime, payment and on-line fraud, drugs and human trafficking, etc.), they are acting illegally by laundering the proceeds of crime, helping criminal syndicates move funds easily around the world and remain anonymous," gardaí have warned. 
 
"If you are caught acting as a money mule, even if done so unwittingly, you can face a prison sentence, fine or community service, and the prospect of never again being able to secure a mortgage or open a bank account."