Money mule
Someone who receives and transfers money on behalf of criminals — sometimes wittingly, often unknowingly — helping fraudsters launder the proceeds of crime.
Also known as: bank mule, account mule
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
A money mule is a person whose bank account is used as a waypoint to move the proceeds of fraud. Criminals need to distance stolen funds from the original crime; by routing it through intermediary accounts, they make tracing harder.
Mules are recruited through fake job ads offering easy money for 'financial transfer agent' roles, social media promises, or sometimes through romantic relationships. Unknowing participants are simply told they will receive payments and must forward them, keeping a small commission.
Acting as a money mule is a criminal offence in most countries, even if the person didn't know the source of the funds. Conviction can result in imprisonment, a permanent criminal record, and closure of all bank accounts. Young people are disproportionately targeted for recruitment.