Finnish police warn of youth recruited as money mules

Finnish police have warned that young people are being increasingly recruited as money mules through social media platforms such as Snapchat and Telegram, reports Yle.

The criminals promise easy money with no risk, but in reality, those involved are committing a punishable offense. Money mules are used to transfer illegally obtained funds, making it harder for authorities to trace and recover the proceeds of crime.

Young people are asked to either hand over their bank credentials for criminal use or to make transfers on the criminals’ behalf. In some cases, minors are also being targeted and misled into creating virtual credit cards by sharing personal and banking details, which are then used to purchase cryptocurrency.

From February to July 2026, police have received 158 crime reports related to the use of money mules in money laundering. Nearly 40 percent of the suspects or accomplices are aged 18–29, with some minors also involved.

Those involved in money laundering can face criminal charges and be held liable for damages. Criminal responsibility begins at age 15, and even minors can be held accountable for any harm caused. Minors involved in crime may also become subjects of child welfare interventions.

Police note that individuals recruited as money mules may themselves be victims of deception, as criminals falsely claim that minors are not obligated to repay debts incurred through fraudulent credit card use.