Police warn: Snapchat and Telegram recruiting young people as money launderers
Finnish police have recorded 158 money laundering crime reports since February 2026. Nearly 40 per cent of suspects are aged 18–29.
Young people are being lured into becoming money mules on social media
According to Is.fi, police are warning of criminal recruitment targeting young people on messaging platforms such as Snapchat and Telegram. The police unit investigating cyber-assisted crimes states that young people are being recruited as money mules—that is, to circulate funds obtained through crime.
Since February 2026, police have received a total of 158 crime reports of money laundering. Nearly 40 per cent of those suspected of the crime or otherwise involved are aged 18–29. Minors are also involved.
Criminals target young people's bank credentials or encourage them to carry out money transfers themselves. In return, they are promised percentage-based commissions from criminal proceeds. Following the disclosure of personal information, minors are issued with a virtual credit card with which to acquire cryptocurrency.
The activity is marketed as risk-free by claiming that a minor is not liable for credit card debt. Police are correcting this misconception: criminal liability begins at the age of 15, and a minor is also liable for compensation for damages. Committing a crime can also lead to child protection measures.
A money launderer can also be convicted as a perpetrator of the crime from which the laundered funds originate. Intentional assistance to another's crime can result in conviction for aiding and abetting.
Police urge reporting of recruitment into criminal activity to the authorities. Suspicious online activity can be reported through a web tip on the police's website. In urgent cases, the emergency number 112 should be called.
Source: Google News FI — Crime (fi)