Receiving a swipe payment in one’s bank account and then sending it on or withdrawing the money in cash that is handed over to someone else may seem harmless. But if the money comes from fraud, drug sales or other crime, the person handling the money is guilty of money laundering and can be convicted of a crime.
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Young people let criminals swipe money
The approach has proven to be common and those who provide their accounts are often young people.
“There are many who do not know that only the handling of money from criminal activities – being a goalkeeper – is punishable,” says Carin Götblad, police chief at Noa, in a press release.
In a targeted campaign in social media, the police urge children and young people not to lend their account, swipe or handle cash for others. After the summer, schools will also have access to teaching materials.
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May lead to more serious crime
The risk is also that what is perceived as a small matter causes young people to be drawn into criminal networks, according to Götblad.
“If the bank considers a transfer suspicious and blocks your account, you will not have access to the money. The money belongs to someone else who now has reason to chase you for a debt”.
To pay off the debt, the young person may be forced to perform additional services and perhaps commit more serious crimes, she states.
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