Towards an Intervention Against Money Mules: A Pilot in the Municipality of Haarlem

Money mule prevention makes it more difficult for offenders to commit online fraud. To design an effective intervention, however, it is essential to understand the problem that the intervention aims to address. Money mules form a crucial link in cybercriminal networks. They help break the money trail from victims to core members by receiving and withdrawing stolen funds in cash. The municipality of Haarlem has expressed the need to better understand potential interventions for this target group. At present, it is unclear whether and how it is possible to prevent money mules from making their bank accounts available for illegal purposes, as limited knowledge is available about characteristics and involvement mechanisms.

Objective

This research project aims, on the one hand, to gain deeper insight into the characteristics of money mules and cybercrime involvement mechanisms, and on the other hand, to explore possible interventions for this target group.

Findings

Interviews with experts reveal that money mules are a diverse group for which no uniform profile can be identified. Recruitment mainly takes place both online via social media channels and offline at schools and within circles of friends. The desire to make quick money, gain status, and belief in deceptive stories appear to be the primary reasons for money muling. Money mules are part of subcultures in which money and status play an important role, which could potentially be disrupted through situational crime prevention techniques.

Target group

This research is intended for municipalities, local authorities, and other stakeholders seeking greater insight into the target group of money mules and possible interventions.

Collaboration

The project was carried out by The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Saxion University of Applied Sciences on behalf of the municipality of Haarlem.

Status

This project was completed in October 2020.