Warning after three Newcastle money-mules arrested in sting

Officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) teamed up with Northumbria Police to carry out searches at three addresses in Newcastle.

The targeted strikes led to the seizure of £14,000 in cash and the arrest of men, aged 18, 22 and 26, on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering.

Money mules, many recruited through social media, help organised criminals to launder their illegally gained money.

Criminals will ask those involved to receive money into their bank account and then transfer it into another account, paying the “mule” by allowing them to keep a small sum.

Still from a National Crime Agency video warning of the dangers of so-called ‘money-muling’ (Image: National Crime Agency)

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 college 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.

Det Sgt 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 include them suddenly appearing to have extra cash, buying expensive new clothes, top-of-the-range mobile phones and gadgets, with little explanation as to how they acquired the money.

Read next … more court stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

They may also become more secretive, withdrawn or appear stressed.

More information is available via https://nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/moneymuling, on the National Crime Agency website.

Anyone worried that someone close to them may be caught up in money-muling, can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or by report it directly to their local police.