Suspected money mules arrested

Officers are warning people of the dangers involved in money muling after sting operation sees three suspects arrested.

Yesterday (Thursday) officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) teamed up with Northumbria Police to carry out three address searches in Newcastle.

The targeted strikes saw £14K in cash seized and three men, 18, 22 and 26, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering.

Money mules help organised criminals to launder their illegal money – with many mules being recruited through social media.

Criminals will ask people to receive money into their bank account and then transfer it into another account and pay the mule by letting them keep a small sum.

NEROCU Detective Sergeant James Woodcock: “Most people think that being a money mule is quick and easy money and a victimless crime – but you couldn’t be more wrong.

“By helping organised criminals launder money, you’re contributing to child and sex trafficking, supplying and distributing drugs, supporting modern day slavery and protecting those who run these operations.”

NEROCU officers and staff regularly speak to university and colleges students, target suspects, gather intelligence and work with partners and banks to strengthen the approach to tackling money mules and the wider impact of organised crime.

DS Woodcock added: “More and more of these criminals are using platforms like SnapChat, Instagram or gaming platforms to target young teenagers and recruit them as money mules.

“If your child has a game console or phone with social media apps then please take the time to speak to them about money muling. It can severely impact their future and poses a real risk to them.

“When someone is caught, their bank account will be closed and they will have problems getting student loans, mortgages, mobile phone contracts and credit in the future. They could lose their job, relationships and face arrest for money laundering which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.”

Tell-tale signs that someone might be involved could be them suddenly having extra cash, buying expensive new clothes or top-of-the-range mobile phones and gadgets with very little explanation as to how they got the money. They may also become more secretive, withdrawn or appear stressed.

To learn more visit https://nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/moneymuling

If you are worried that someone close to you might be caught up in money muling, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report to your local police.