Alleged ‘money mule’ is charged over $176,000 cyber scam in Melbourne-based operation

A Melbourne man has been charged with his alleged role as a ‘money mule’ in a cyber scam, in which federal police alleged he laundered more than $176,000 defrauded by an Australian company.

It is alleged that between June 2021 and May 2022, the 23-year-old man received $176,192 in suspected criminal proceeds from business email compromise (BEC) scams.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) claims that one of the scams involved an Australian construction company that lost $17,000 after receiving a fraudulent email.

It is further alleged that the company has received a correspondence from an alleged furniture supplier, claiming that their bank details have changed.

The company then deposited money into a bank account that later turned out to be in the name of the 23-year-old.

An AFP spokesman said the man allegedly spread such fraudulently acquired funds across a number of bank accounts before transferring the money to another person.

It is alleged that the man acted as a ‘money mule’, helping to move the money through Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud and other cyber crimes.

The AFP searched the man’s home in Footscray in November last year, allegedly seizing illegal drugs and electronic devices.

This then led to the man’s arrest on July 13.

AFP Senior Constable Khali Sherer said Australians reported losses of more than $98 million from BEC attacks, averaging $64,000 per incident.

“If you think an email is suspicious, investigate further,” he said.

‘Call and check directly with the company or organization you are dealing with. It is reasonable to ask questions to protect yourself or your company.”

The 23-year-old Footscray man has been charged with handling the proceeds of crime, money or property worth $100.00 or more, once with possession of cocaine and once with possession of cannabis.

He appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 13 and will next appear on October 5.