An Garda Síochána are appealing to the public, particularly students and younger people, to never authorise any individuals or groups to utilise their bank account, ATM card, or pin number, advising that there are consequences including arrests, charges and convictions for persons acting as money mules for organised crime groups.
30 people have been arrested so far as part of An Garda Síochána's Operation Ransom - an investigation into persons allowing their bank accounts being used for organised crime groups to withdraw and deposit money which was stolen from other bank accounts. In total, €1.5 million has been stolen so far. More arrests are expected.
Of the 30 persons arrested, 18 are male, 12 are female and the persons are located all over Ireland. The youngest person was 15 and the oldest was 38. Over half (16) of the persons arrested were juveniles.
Young persons are being targeted by organised crime groups in secondary schools, college, online, and via social media. Most people are advised they will receive a percentage if they authorise the use of the account and see the chance to make easy and quick money.
However, in many instances, the organised crime group will clear the person's account once the ATM card or pin number has been handed over and there is no monetary gain for the money mule.
Instead, these persons face being arrested, charged and convicted under the Money Laundering and Terrorism Act.
A conviction of this type:
Carries a potential prison sentence of 14 years
Could affect visa applications to work in some countries
Could place the person on terrorist watch lists
Could affect ability to work in financial sector anywhere in the world
Could affect credit rating and vetting applications;
In addition to this, the money mule is aiding international organised criminal groups and enhancing their capability to make money. This action is financing drug and people smuggling, terrorism and prostitution, among many other offences.
An Garda Síochána are advising parents to educate young persons on the dangers of acting as money mules.
Gardaí are aware of hundreds of other incidents of young persons acting as money mules in this jurisdiction and more arrests are expected.
Gardaí are appealing to people to not allow their account to be used by anyone else. Do not give away your ATM card or your pin number and do not withdraw or transfer money that comes into your account.
Ref. PR14021/2020
Note to Editor: Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan is available for interview between 10.00am and 12.00pm today, 21st September 2020. Interviews will be conducted by telephone only due to Covid-19 public health restrictions. Those who wish to conduct an interview should send a request to pressoffice@garda.ie.
