Gardai issue warning to Limerick students not to become 'money mules'
GARDAI have issued a warning to third-level students in Limerick about the dangers of becoming a so called "money mule".
According to the authorites, a money mule is a person who allows their bank account to be used for the transfer of other’s stolen or illegal money.
"They may or may not be aware of the crime, however, they are complicit if they recklessly allow their account to be used to launder the proceeds of criminality," said Garda John Finnerty of Henry Street garda station.
Those aged between 18 and 24 and those over 55 years are the cohorts which are most commonly targeted by organised crime gangs to act as money mules.
There have been a number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions in Limerick in recent years arising from such incidents.
"Vulnerable people such as those who are new to the country, students, people who are unemployed or under financial pressure are also likely to be targeted. Those who purchase illegal drugs may be offered to pay off their drug debt by becoming a money mule," added Garda Finnerty.
What are the warning signs that young people should heed?
According to gardai, there can be advertisements for jobs on online platforms offering seemingly easy or quick money that are, in fact, a recruitment front for money mules.
"Anyone who thinks they are being approached to become a money mule should refuse to provide their bank details and to contact An Garda Síochána. If an account has already been compromised, the account holder should contact their bank and An Garda Síochána," said Garda Finnerty.
In recent years, over 800 money mules have been identified across Ireland, including in Limerick.