Title: Slovenian Police Identify 254 Money Mules in Europol’s International Operation EMMA 9

Europol’s Operation EMMA 9: Combatting Money Mules and Preventing Financial Losses

From September 15 to November 30, 2023, Slovenian Police collaborated with Europol and international law enforcement agencies in the European Money Mule Action (EMMA 9). The operation identified a total of 10,759 money mules worldwide, causing approximately 100 million EUR in losses through fraudulent transactions.

Slovenian Participation and Results

• The Bank Association of Slovenia joined in the public awareness initiative.
• 254 money mules were identified in Slovenia, having received a combined total of more than 13.6 million EUR.

Arrests and Prevented Losses

• Europol reported the arrest of 1,013 money mules and the identification of 474 recruiters.
• Approximately 32 million EUR in losses were prevented.

Slovenian Police Investigations

• The Slovenian police investigated 221 cases involving money mules, aiming to prove the elements of fraud, attacks on information systems, and money laundering.
• Working with Slovenian banks and foreign law enforcement, they were able to stop and prevent around 1.3 million EUR in losses.

Cases of Money Mules

• The majority of the cases involved money mules operating abroad, receiving ill-gotten funds from online fraud against Slovenian citizens.
• Domestic cases were also discovered, with Slovenian citizens acting as money mules and receiving stolen funds.

Reporting Suspected Cases

If you or someone you know is unknowingly participating in money laundering or is a money mule, it is essential to report the situation to the police immediately. Being unaware of the origins of the funds does not exempt you from potential legal consequences.

For more information on Europol’s operation, check out their press release.