Criminologist Luuk Bekkers, an external PhD candidate at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), investigated the world of money mules. His research reveals how young people are recruited both online and offline, and provides practical tools for prevention. 'Without money mules, many forms of financial cybercrime simply couldn’t exist,' he explains.
Recruited on the streets and on socials
The study shows that young people are approached not only through social media, but also in person; at schoolyards, metro stations, or by a vague acquaintance from the neighborhood. The ask often sounds harmless: "Can I use your account? You’ll get paid for it."
'Even though cybercrime mainly takes place in the digital world, personal contacts remain essential to keep the network running,' says Bekkers. At the same time, recruitment via social media is increasing. Platforms like Instagram and Telegram are filled with messages enticing young people to share their bank details, or even their ID. 'The online world makes recruitment scalable. Some youngsters end up entangled in a network they don’t understand.'
From bank accounts to crypto wallets
What once started with lending a debit card has now evolved. Cybercriminals are targeting mobile payment apps and foreign bank accounts. Money moves from local banks to international crypto wallets. 'That makes detection increasingly difficult, while the real perpetrators stay out of sight,' Bekkers says. 'Money mules break the financial trail - without them, the fraud wouldn't work, yet they are the ones who bear the consequences.'
Prevention is key
According to Bekkers, prevention is crucial. Many money mules don’t realize that they are held accountable—often with far-reaching consequences. 'Even lending your account once can result in a criminal record, blocked bank accounts, and lasting damage to your future.'
His message: focus prevention efforts where young people are; online, at school, and in their communities. 'Awareness campaigns can help increase risk perception, and make young people more aware of the consequences—and the likelihood of getting caught.'
A connected problem needs a connected response
Bekkers used a mixed-method approach: he surveyed more than 3,000 young people about their perceptions and experiences with money muling, analyzed recruitment messages on Instagram, conducted an online experiment, and reviewed 15 completed police investigations. He also spoke with experts from the police, public prosecution service, banks, and municipalities.
His conclusion: online and offline crime are becoming increasingly intertwined—and therefore demand an integrated response. 'Criminal law is necessary, but not always sufficient. Young people often don’t join in knowingly, but because of social pressure, ignorance, or even threats. That’s exactly why we need earlier and broader interventions - with education, support services, and behavioral strategies.'
A pivotal role
Money mules are not peripheral figures. 'They make the money disappear—without them, it’s much harder for cybercriminals to stay anonymous,' Bekkers emphasizes. 'But precisely because they play such a central role, they also offer a unique point of leverage for change.'
His research not only provides new insights, but also practical building blocks for a more effective approach. 'By informing young people, opening up discussions about risk, and offering alternatives, we can keep them out of the cybercrime ecosystem. And that disrupts the execution of online fraud.'
Bekkers will defend his PhD thesis on this topic at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam on 20 June.