A crime script of Australian money mules

Money mules are critical facilitators in the laundering of illicit goods and commodities, yet their operational behaviours remain underexplored in the Australian context. This study developed a crime script of money mules through a content analysis of Australian court cases. By examining procedural elements across 25 crime events, the research identified four overarching stages in money mule operations. These included recruitment, preparation, transactions, and rewards. Findings highlighted three primary script tracks through which money mules move illicit proceeds: physical items, decentralised finance (cryptocurrencies) and centralised finance (cash and bank transactions). This research contributes new knowledge about the modus operandi of money mules. The study findings provide the basis on which to develop important recommendations for more targeted and effective crime prevention strategies aimed at addressing a key facilitator of money laundering crimes. These strategies include increasing public awareness of money mule activities, improving financial literacy, and implementing technological safeguards. The study also identifies the range of relevant stakeholders and highlights the importance of their collaboration.