Overview

• FraudSMART reports almost €9.4 million was laundered via money‑mule accounts in the 12 months to June, with typical transfers of €5,000 to €10,000 per case.
• A new survey finds nearly a third of 18–24‑year‑olds have been approached or know someone approached to use their account, and large shares do not recognise or understand the term.
• Banks warn participants risk account closure, placement on industry databases and long‑term credit issues, with Revolut highlighting potential prison sentences of up to 14 years.
• Santander says 31% of people confirmed to have used its UK accounts as mules are aged 18 to 24, underscoring the focus on students at the start of the academic year.
• Irish law enforcement stresses that money muling is money laundering tied to scams and wider organised crime, including drug and human trafficking and terrorism.