People warn of the consequences of becoming ‘money mules’ after 30 arrests by Gardaí

AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA has called on the public, especially students and young people, not to act with money mules for organized crime groups.

In a warning issued today, Gardaí said there are consequences including arrests, charges and convictions for people who allow any individual or group to use their bank account, ATM card or PIN number.

Thirty people have been arrested so far as part of An Garda Síochána’s Operation Ransom, an investigation into people who allow their bank accounts to be used for organized crime groups to withdraw and deposit money stolen from other bank accounts.

In total, 1.5 million euros have been stolen so far. More arrests are expected.

Of the 30 people detained throughout the country, 18 are men and 12 are women. The youngest person was 15 and the oldest 38. More than half (16) of the people arrested were under 18 years of age.

Around 1,000 incidents of money mule transactions totaling more than 12 million euros have been moved through bank accounts to date in 2020, according to the Irish Federation of Banks and Payments.

The vast majority of these incidents, 98%, have occurred in the bank accounts of people between the ages of 18 and 24.

“Organized crime groups target young people in high schools, college, online and on social media. Most people are advised that they will receive a percentage if they authorize the use of the account and see the opportunity to earn money quickly and easily, ”Gardaí said in a statement.

“However, in many cases, the organized crime group will delete the person’s account once the ATM card or PIN number has been delivered and there is no monetary gain for the money mule.”

Instead, gardaí added, these people face arrest, charged and convicted under the Money Laundering and Terrorism Act.

Sentence up to 14 years

Such a conviction carries a possible 14-year prison term and could affect visa applications to work in some countries; could place the person on terrorist watch lists; it could affect your ability to work in the financial sector; and could affect credit rating and background check requests.

“In addition to this, the money mule is helping international organized criminal groups and improving their ability to earn money. This action finances drug and human trafficking, terrorism and prostitution, among many other crimes, ”the statement added.

An Garda Síochána advises parents to educate young people about the dangers of acting like money mules.

Gardaí says they are aware of hundreds of other incidents of youth acting as money mules in Ireland and more arrests are expected.

Gardaí has ​​called on people not to allow anyone else to use their account, not to hand over their ATM card or PIN number, and not to withdraw or transfer the money that comes into their account.