Crime Stoppers in Australia is rolling out a new $2.55 million national anti-money laundering campaign aimed at stopping the recruitment of money mules and raising awareness of the serious consequences of becoming involved in criminal money laundering schemes.
Australia’s major banks shut down almost 13,000 suspected money mule accounts during the 2023–24 financial year, as organised crime groups are increasingly targeting Australians to make a fast buck, but risk everything.
The campaign has been developed in consultation with the Department of Home Affairs, AUSTRAC, law enforcement Australia wide with the intention to disrupt money laundering and prevent organised crime from exploiting members of the community.
We have a growing concern that criminal networks are using fake job advertisements, social media, messaging apps and promises of easy money to recruit people to move illicit funds through Australian bank accounts and cryptocurrency platforms.
Money mule activity helps organised crime move and hide the proceeds of serious criminal offending, including cybercrime, fraud, drug trafficking and human exploitation.
A key focus of the campaign is helping people recognise the warning signs of recruitment before they become victims of exploitation.
Crime Stoppers NSW CEO, Mr Peter Price AM, said many people recruited as money mules did not understand that they were being manipulated by organised crime until it was too late.
“Often people don’t spot the warning signs that they’re being recruited into criminal activity until after the damage has been done. What starts as a simple job offer, a friendly request to help move money, or a promise of easy income can quickly become a pathway into serious criminal offending,” Mr Price said.
“Organised crime groups deliberately create opportunities that appear legitimate. They know people are looking for work, looking to earn extra money or simply trying to help someone they believe they can trust.
“This campaign is about helping people recognise those warning signs before they become victims of exploitation.”
Mr Price said international students and temporary visa holders were among the groups most frequently targeted because they may be unfamiliar with Australia’s financial and legal systems, seeking employment opportunities or experiencing financial pressures.
“The vast majority of international students come to Australia to study, work hard and build a future. Unfortunately, organised crime groups see students as attractive targets and actively seek to exploit their circumstances.
“For international students, the consequences can be particularly severe. In addition to criminal charges and financial loss, people can face frozen bank accounts, identity theft, visa cancellation or refusal, and long-term impacts on their ability to study, work or remain in Australia.”
” We’re working with universities, student accommodation providers, employers, migration agents and community organisations across Australia because they are often the trusted voices best placed to help people recognise the warning signs before harm occurs,” he said.
” Crime Stoppers exists to empower people with the knowledge and confidence to recognise criminal activity, avoid exploitation and anonymously report crime.
“If something doesn’t feel right, or you have information about a possible money mule, we want people to know there is a safe and anonymous way to share information.”
NSWPF State Crime Commander, Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook said this initiative is about disrupting and making it difficult for organised crime to operate.
“Money laundering is not a victimless crime. It is the financial engine that allows organised crime to thrive, and every dollar moved through a money mule account helps fund drug trafficking, cybercrime, fraud, and the exploitation of vulnerable people, violence on our streets, kidnapping and murder,” AC Cook said.
“People need to understand that becoming a money mule is a serious criminal offence. Even if you think you’re just helping someone out, you are enabling organised crime, and you will be held accountable.
“If an offer seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. We want the community to pause, think, and recognise the warning signs before they are drawn into criminal activity.
“If you see suspicious financial activity, unusual job offers or someone asking you to move money on their behalf, report it. You could prevent someone from being exploited and stop criminals from profiting.
“Organised crime is all about money. Those who take action to facilitate organised crime activity and the associated money laundering are linchpins that enable organised crime networks across Australia and the globe to flourish. Don’t become an organised crime facilitator – hurt organised crime where it hurts – help stop the money flow.”
The campaign will run nationally through advertising, multilingual resources, community outreach, industry engagement and targeted awareness initiatives designed to prevent money mule recruitment, reduce the harm caused by money laundering and strengthen community awareness of anonymous reporting pathways.
Additional media assets can be found here https://spaces.hightail.com/space/Asy9Es9yHJ
Visit the campaign page at Money Trap – Crime Stoppers Australia
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Crime Stoppers NSW, Media Affairs – Cecelia Haddad – [email protected]
or call 0487 333 000, text to 0411 264948.
