Young people "getting caught up in money muling" in Offaly

Local Gardai have issued a warning about the risks of acting as a "money mule," saying that "far too many" young people in Offaly and Laois were now engaging in this illegal activity.

A post from a Crime Prevention Officer for the Laois Offaly Garda Division this week pointed out that those who are caught acting as a money mule can face a prison sentence, a fine or community service, and the prospect of not being able to secure a mortgage or open a bank account.

"Unfortunately we are seeing far too many of our younger people getting caught up in 'Money Muling' around Laois and Offaly," said the Garda post, which outlined details of how this often works.

It said money muling can occur through seemingly legitimate job adverts (for example those seeking 'money transfer agents'), seemingly legitimate online posts, direct approaches in person or by email, and through social media or WhatsApp messages.

Those who are typically targeted to act as money mules tend to be newcomers to the country or those who are unemployed, as well as students and people facing economic hardship.

"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 or above," stated the Gardai.

"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.

"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.

"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," the Gardai post warned.