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Alleged Dutch money mule to face Qld court

AAP
A man is accused of converting stolen money to bitcoin and transferring it overseas.
Camera IconA man is accused of converting stolen money to bitcoin and transferring it overseas.

A Dutch national will face court for his alleged role in a money mule network suspected of helping cyber criminals transfer at least $3.5 million stolen from Australian accounts offshore.

The 22-year-old is accused of having $18,000 stolen from accounts by malware transferred into his account.

The Australian Federal Police says he took a five per cent commission and withdrew the cash before converting it to bitcoin at a bitcoin ATM in Sydney and transferring it overseas.

AFP Commander of cybercrime operations Chris Goldsmid urged money mules to realise that earning quick cash illegally has consequences.

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"You just might be helping a cybercrime syndicate steal thousands of dollars from honest, everyday Australians," he said in a statement.

"Further, you face the possibility of being prosecuted and imprisoned for dealing in proceeds of crime."

"An Australian victim of this malware reported a loss of $40,000 from their bank account. For many Australians, this represents years upon years of savings."

He urged people to be wary of Australian job advertisements from overseas firms offering roles transferring money with little of no experience required or needing applicants to have their own bank account to move funds.

Commander Goldsmid said expressions on job ads such as "legit money", "100% guaranteed" and "same day cash" were red flags.

The AFP and international counterparts are trying to link about $3.5 million in stolen funds to money mules and identify the Australian victims.

The Dutch man faces up to two years imprisonment after being charged with dealing money he suspected to be the proceeds of crime on December 16.

He is due to face Ayr Magistrates Court on Monday.

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