20240815 - Man arrested in Dublin after being identified as suspected money mule herder

Written by a www.MoneyLaundering.ie Guest Contributor
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What happened?

What happened?

A man has been arrested after being identified as a suspected money mule herder following the search of a residence in West Tallaght, Dublin.

Gardaí from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) carried out a search at the property as part of a larger investigation into incidents of fraud in Norway, Germany, the US, Hawaii and Ireland.

The investigation also looked into the subsequent laundering of money through money mule accounts, businesses, and trade-based money laundering operations.

"Up to 50 different money mules have been identified as having laundered over €196,000 through his bank accounts in Ireland, Germany and Belgium," a Garda spokesperson said.

"This money came from victims of mainly smishing frauds in Ireland, was initially laundered through these 50 money mule accounts and then forwarded by the money mules to the suspects' three bank accounts."

During the course of the search, a number of items, including a "high value" Range Rover, which was suspected to have been purchased with the proceeds of crime, were seized.

The following items were also seized:

• A number of passports;
• Bank cards in family names and names of suspected money mules;
• Bank account details;
• Details of registered companies and businesses;
• Cash in euros and dollars;
• A note teller (cash counting machine);
• 30 mobile phones;
• A desktop computer and laptop.

Range Rover seized by Gardai

​What’s interesting?

What’s interesting?

• Recruitment and Management of Money Mules: The suspect was involved in recruiting and managing up to 50 money mules, which indicates a well-organized operation aimed at facilitating large-scale money laundering.
• International Fraud Connections: The investigation linked fraud incidents across multiple countries, including Norway, Germany, the US, and Ireland, suggesting a sophisticated and transnational criminal network.
• Suspicious Possessions and Transactions: The seizure of high-value items like a Range Rover, multiple passports, and large amounts of cash, along with the use of numerous bank accounts and mobile devices, all point to significant money laundering activities.

Source: ​https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-41205400.html

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