Social networks are increasingly invaded by illegal activities. A recent report from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) reveals that money laundering is growing on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. This situation also concerns Snapchat and other networks. What is particularly alarming is that some young users are participating in these activities without even being aware of it.
A recent report highlights the growing use of TikTok and Instagram to recruit “money mules.” These individuals, often young and impressionable, are encouraged to transfer funds illegally between bank accounts, usually for compensation. Recruiters, operating through advertisements or direct messages on these platforms, target people looking for quick income, often without them realizing the legal risks.
The consequences for the “mules” are serious: they risk criminal prosecution, up to 14 years in prison, bans on bank accounts and financial sanctions. These activities frequently feed into larger criminal networks, such as money laundering or international fraud. The authorities warn against these practices and call for vigilance, particularly among young people active on social networks, in order to reduce their vulnerability to these fraudulent schemes.
A formidable method
The process is simple: the criminal network asks the individual to provide their bank details (RIB) to transfer a large sum of money. Once the money is received, the individual must either transfer it to another bank account indicated by the criminal, or withdraw it in cash in order to transmit it “in person” to a third person in the network.
In return for this service, the individual can keep a small percentage of the total amount. Legally, he becomes indirectly complicit in money laundering. If the bank conducts an investigation or if the criminal network is dismantled by law enforcement, the individual risks a heavy prison sentence.
There is no such thing as easy money
Just like certain influencers on these social networks, criminal networks exploit a formidable method, particularly effective among young people looking for easy money. They use luxurious images and the famous catchphrase “make a lot of money without doing anything”. This process, although ridiculous for adults, is extremely effective for young people.
“Easy money” does not exist unfortunately. No one makes a living solely from sports betting, trading via phone alerts, or worse, transferring money to unknown accounts. Protect your children, even if it’s not always easy with the Internet.
