Irish students warned not to become 'money mules' as dozens as young as 16 caught

Irish school students are being warned not to get involved in a money laundering scheme which has lead to the prosecution of dozens of students as young as 16. 

Garda Detective Sergeant, Ernie Henderson, spoke to RTÉ's News at One about Operation Mullet, an investigation which has unearthed an elaborate stolen money scam based in Co Kerry involving 'money mules'. 

Money mules hand over their bank account details so that stolen funds can be transferred in and out, and they are awarded a percentage of the amount transferred as payment for use of the account. 

According to Detective Sergeant Henderson, thirty two students have already been prosecuted under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorism) Act 2010, with a few dozen more awaiting sentencing. 

Detective Sergeant Henderson is urging young people not to get involved as a prosecution could lead to difficulties travelling abroad or securing a career in the future. 

He specifically referenced the popular J1 visa programme to the United States, which Irish students often apply for. 

He said, "We're trying to drive home the message that these convictions are under the money laundering and terrorist act, so any company or if you're looking for a J1 visa, any Homeland Security or any of them will look and see a person has a conviction under that money laundering and terrorist act. 

"They're just not simply going to get a visa to go to another country. Any potential jobs you're applying for, it would be a big red flag for many companies to employ someone with that kind of conviction." 

Many money mules are recruited through social media such as Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok with promises of making "easy money". 

However, recruiters - or "herders" - can be living in the community as well. 

Detective Sergeant Henderson said, "Obviously as an organisation, we're looking for [students] not to hand over any bank details to any other person. If they find themselves pressured, from peer pressure or colleagues or otherwise, don't give them log in details or passwords. 

"If they do end up giving bank details, with school students especially, just don't give passwords, or change passwords [afterwards]. If that happens, while the money still goes into the account, it just can't be accessed."