Gardai warn Limerick students not to become 'money mules'
GARDAI are warning students attending third-level education in Limerick not to become a money mule.
This is the term used to describe individuals who allow their personal bank account to be used for the transfer of other people'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.
The practice had been identified by gardai and there have been a number of arrests and prosecutions in Limerick in recent years.
"Those aged 18 to 24 and those over 55 years of age are the most commonly targeted age groups by organised crime gangs to act as money mules. 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," added Garda Finnerty.
Criminal gangs often target those who may owe a drug debt and offer them an opportunity to pay off or reduce the debt by becoming a money mule.
"We caution that ignorance is no excuse, and the penalties include a prison sentence of up to 14 years, a criminal conviction with a lifetime criminal record, and not being permitted to open another bank account," said Garda Finnerty.
One of the main warning signs to watch out for are 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," added Garda Finnerty.
More than 800 money mules have been identified across Ireland over the past number of years.