Gardai have issued an urgent warning to third level students against becoming a 'Money Mule', where their bank accounts are used to transfer stolen or illegal money.
As part of its #SafeAtCollege campaign and in partnership with the Banking Payments Federation of Ireland, gardai said that those aged 18-24 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.
According to gardai, money mules face a prison sentence of up to 14 years, as well as a criminal conviction with a lifetime criminal record. The person may also be extradited to the country where the crime occurred, and may not be permitted to open another bank account.
