Australian law-enforcement agencies are sounding the alarm over a surge in international criminal syndicates recruiting overseas students in Australia to act as “money mules”, exposing young people to serious fraud charges and potential prison sentences.
According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), criminal networks operating offshore are increasingly purchasing or renting Australian bank accounts from students—often for only a few hundred dollars—as many prepare to return home after completing their studies. Once acquired, the accounts are used to launder proceeds of crime, including funds linked to drug trafficking, human trafficking, cyber fraud, and large-scale scam operations.
AFP Acting Commander Marie Andersson said the method, known as muling, enables criminals to mask illicit financial flows by pushing small amounts of money through legitimate accounts in high volumes.
“They’re moving small amounts of illegitimate money over a large number of transactions,” Andersson said. “We know that as microlaundering—an activity that stays under the radar and is very hard to detect.”
The AFP believes millions of dollars may be moving through Australian accounts each year, ultimately flowing to scam centres and organised-crime hubs across the Asia-Pacific. A significant proportion of funds is traced to Asia, where the AFP maintains long-standing cooperation with regional police forces.
Andersson said the illegal practice is increasingly tied to global scam networks running investment frauds and romance scams targeting Australians. These offshore groups rely on Australian accounts to move money offshore without raising immediate suspicion.
Recruitment is typically carried out online through social media, messaging apps, and unsolicited emails. International students—some facing financial pressure or unaware of Australian criminal law—are particularly vulnerable.
“They may not realise they’re exposing themselves to serious offences,” Andersson warned. “Money laundering is a serious crime. Even dealing with amounts over $1,000 can carry up to five years’ imprisonment.”
Authorities stress that students who hand over control of their bank accounts may be treated as offenders, not victims, even if they did not fully understand the consequences.
The AFP has launched renewed outreach efforts with universities and international student organisations, urging students to protect their identity, avoid suspicious job offers, and never provide access to their banking credentials.
“We want the message to be clear,” Andersson said. “Protect yourself. What looks like easy money could destroy your future in Australia.”
