Gardaí have started 200 investigations, arrested 71 suspects and recovered €1.8 million from so-called money mule bank accounts as part of a major European investigation into fraud-based organised crime. Some 659 money mule bank accounts have been identified in the Republic and six money mule recruiters identified. Mule bank accounts are effectively bank accounts that gangs can get access so payments can be received in to them or stolen money moved through them in a bid to frustrate criminal investigations. Money mule accounts have been a rapidly growing problem in Ireland and across Europe and further afield in recent years, with a European Money Mule Action operation (EMMA 6) run by global law enforcement from September to November. Some 227 money mule recruiters were also identified with the theft of €33.5 million foiled.

Source: The Irish Times December 02, 2020 15:55 UTC