Police warn: young people being recruited as money mules on Snapchat and Telegram
Central Finland Police have recorded 158 criminal reports related to money-mule activity since February 2026. Minors are also being recruited on social media with promises of easy money.
Money-mule recruitment increasing – police warn young people of social media danger
Google News FI — Crime (fi) reported on a statement from Central Finland Police, according to which the recruitment of young people into money-mule activities has increased significantly. Recruitment takes place particularly on Snapchat and Telegram, where easy and risk-free earnings are promised.
Money mules act as intermediaries for criminals: they hand over their bank credentials or carry out money transfers through which funds belonging to victims of crime are directed to criminals. The purpose of the activity is to make it more difficult to trace and recover the funds.
Since February 2026, police have recorded 158 criminal reports related to the matter. Nearly 40 per cent of the suspected or other involved parties are aged 18–29. Minors are involved in fewer cases, but police have observed instances where recruitment has been directly targeted at minors.
In one documented pattern, criminals seek volunteer minors to whom a virtual credit card is promised in exchange for providing personal information and bank credentials. Using the card, criminals would purchase cryptocurrency, and the minor would receive part of the proceeds.
According to police, claims about minors being "risk-free" do not hold true. Criminal responsibility begins at the age of 15, and a minor can be held liable for damages as well as be subject to child protection measures. In the police statement, money laundering is defined broadly: receiving, handing over, transferring or possessing property obtained through crime is punishable.
Recruitment is also carried out for those making phishing calls. In some cases, recruiters receive a commission for acquiring new perpetrators.
Police urge people to report money-mule recruitment through tip-off contact information or online tips. In urgent situations, people should call the emergency number 112.
Source: Google News FI — Crime (fi)