A money mule is someone who uses (or lends) their bank account to receive and transfer money for others. This may seem harmless, but it is a criminal offence. The money often comes from fraud and is laundered through these transactions.

Anyone who lends their bank account for this purpose is legally an accomplice. They risk a criminal record, having their account frozen, and being required to repay the stolen money, while the real criminals stay out of sight.