DUBLIN, Ireland – An Garda Síochána, the national police service of Ireland, has identified 659 money mule accounts, six money mule recruiters and prevented the estimated loss of €1.8 million as part of the European Money Mule Action “EMMA 6” worldwide operation against money mule schemes, which ran from September to November.
As a result of An Garda Síochána investigations during this period, approximately 200 investigations have resulted with 71 arrests made, Big News Network said.
The local actions are part of a worldwide operation led by Europol and law enforcement authorities from 26 countries which resulted in 422 arrests and 4,031 money mules being identified alongside 227 money mule recruiters, preventing a total loss of €33.5 million.
Europol and EU law enforcement authorities, including An Garda Síochána, together with international partners and financial institutions will launch the #DontBeaMule campaign to raise awareness among the public on the risks of money mule schemes.
An Garda Síochána said it continues to appeal to the public, particularly students and younger people, to never authorize any individuals or groups to utilize their bank account, ATM card, or PIN number, advising that there are consequences including arrests, charges and convictions for persons acting as money mules for organized crime groups.