Liverpool money mule jailed

A Liverpool man who became a 'money mule' has been jailed for money laundering.
 
Jaromar Olah, 28 years, of Bartlett Street, Liverpool appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday (25 August) where he was given an seven-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to money laundering.
 
In November 2019, Olah was approached by an unknown criminal and offered the chance to make £200 by making available a bank account for the use of funnelling funds. He allowed the use of his bank account and £42,000 was paid into it. 

The money had in fact been stolen after a solicitor’s email was hacked, and the cash had been due to be paid to the grieving family of a deceased man. 

Olah did not receive the £200 he had been promised, and his bank account was closed down.
 
Detective Constable Darren Devonport, from the Cyber Dependent Crime Unit, said: “Olah is now spending time in a prison cell, no doubt reflecting on the decision he made and wishing he had been more sensible.

“I would to take this opportunity to warn anyone who may be tempted to make what they wrongly see as ‘easy money’. If you are approached by someone who wants to use your bank account to channel ill-gotten cash, please refuse. It is not a victimless crime – ultimately that money will have been stolen or could be the proceeds from other forms of criminality causing harm in our communities.

“Allowing your account to be used in this way is an offence, and Olah is now counting the cost of his mistake. Not only could it land you in prison, you will have a criminal record and it can affect your credit rating and ability to get a mortgage for years to come. It simply is not worth the risk.”