Kilkenny youths among 700 ‘money mules’ identified by gardai

People living in Kilkenny have been targeted by criminal gangs looking to access their bank accounts so they can launder money from the proceeds of crime.

Young men in Kilkenny are far more likely to be targeted by, and get drawn into becoming a ‘money mule’ for these gangs, gardai have confirmed.

Gardai confirmed more than 700 ‘money mule’ incidents have been identified nationally, some of which involve people in Kilkenny.

Criminal gangs are actively targeting young people, including those in secondary school, through social media to become ‘money mules’ by offering generous rewards.

The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) is urging people not to get involved with these gangs as they are putting their futures at risk.

A Garda spokesperson said: “A money mule is someone who allows others to use their bank accounts. 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.

“About 90% of Money Mule transactions are linked to cybercrime,” the spokesperson added.

Gardai said people found to working as a money mule can have difficulty opening bank accounts in the future, getting phone contracts, may be stopped travelling abroad – or could even face jail time.

They are urging parents and teachers to educate their children and students about the dangers of becoming a ‘money mule’ for criminals.