'Ignorance is no excuse': Limerick gardaí warn students of money mule scams

COLLEGE students, who are often targeted in money mule scams, are being warned of implications by gardaí in Limerick. 

A money mule is a person who allows their account to be used for the transfer of other’s stolen or illegal money. Students and people aged 18 to 24 are typically a targeted cohort by scammers.

“We have a new generation of third-level students that have just started college,” said garda John Finnerty of Henry St garda station. 

“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.”

Gardaí in Limerick also warn that those who purchase illegal drugs may be offered to pay off their drug debt by becoming a money mule.

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Garda Finnerty wishes to remind people 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.

830 money mules had been identified in Ireland in the past number of years. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau estimate that there are at least 4,000 money mules linked to their investigations who have used Irish addresses. 

“The vast majority [of money mules] are young people in all corners of Ireland,” Garda Finnerty said.

“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.”