The operation resulted in the arrest of 1,803 people. In addition, 18,351 so-called “money mules” have also been identified. According to Europol, the money mules were found to be used to launder money for numerous forms of online fraud, such as phishing.
Four hundred banks and financial institutions lent their support to the international operation. “They reported 7,000 fraudulent transactions and avoided a total loss estimated to be nearly EUR 70 million,” Europol said.
Europol explains that money mules can be recruited without knowledge of the criminal enterprise. Organized crime groups do this by preying on groups such as students, immigrants and those in economic need. “They offer easy money through legit-looking job ads and social media posts.”
According to Europol, ignorance is no excuse. “They are breaking the law by laundering the illegal profits from crime.” To raise awareness, the police organization also launched a campaign (#DontBeAMule) with all participating countries to prevent innocents from being used by criminals.
27 countries
The operation, christened EMMA 7, ran from September 15 to November 30. In it, law enforcement, financial institutions and the private sector collaborated with companies such as Western Union, Microsoft and Fourthline. The operation targeted money laundering in Europe, Asia, North America, Colombia and Australia. In addition, the investigators also searched for the sources of the illegal profits.
27 countries took part in the operation. In addition to Belgium, these are Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Colombia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Germany, Hong Kong/China, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Moldova, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden , Switzerland, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.
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