Money mule for cybercriminals sentenced to 18 months in prison
Melbourne man sentenced to jail term and recognizance release order for helping to launder cybercrime proceeds.
A 24-year-old Melbourne man has been sentenced for his role as a money mule, laundering the proceeds of a commercial email breach scheme between June 2021 and May 2022.
The AFP’s Joint Cybercrime Coordination Center launched an investigation into the money laundering scheme after an Australian bank warned the AFP about unusual financial activity in August 2022.
A total of $208,822 in criminal proceeds were deposited into the perpetrator’s bank accounts, which he then dispersed to several other accounts before transferring them elsewhere. It was discovered that the man had been paid $17,000 for his money mule activity.
The money was obtained from an Australian construction company that was the victim of a fraudulent email claiming to be from one of its suppliers.
The man was charged in July 2023 and pleaded guilty to one count of dealing with the proceeds of crime, money or property valued at $100,000 or more, one count of possession of a drug of dependence, namely cocaine, and one count of of possession of a drug of dependence. , specifically cannabis, on November 28, 2024.
“Australians are doing it tough and deceptive activities that support cybercrime will not be tolerated by the AFP,” AFP acting superintendent Nuckhley Succar said in a statement.
“If you are moving funds to assist with money laundering, you should be aware that the AFP is working closely with financial institutions and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies to target you and your associates.
“In fiscal year 2023-2024, business email breaches and fraud were among the most common cybercrimes reported by small, medium and large businesses and individuals in Australia*.
“Cybercriminals often target companies and individuals who make large or regular payments, in an attempt to divert funds to fraudulent accounts.
“It is crucial that people check their emails, particularly email addresses and banking details, to avoid becoming victims of BEC scams.”
