What is a money mule?
A money mule is a person whose account receives and forwards criminal proceeds, sometimes knowingly and sometimes after social-engineering. The account holder may have passed KYC.
What to instrument
First inbound payment then fast outbound payout, many counterparties, shared devices across mule accounts, and watchlist hits on the far side of the payment. Screen counterparties with the AML API; score the payout event with fraud rules.
How Naiza applies it
Combine Naiza event monitoring with AML screening for customers and counterparties. Review rapid pass-through payouts with velocity, device links, and screening evidence on the case.
Language for operations
Record the payout pattern, linked identifiers, and screening evidence on the case. Use investigation outcomes to distinguish legitimate activity from confirmed mule behavior.
Frequently asked questions
Answers about screening, risk signals, and Naiza integration.
What is money mule detection?
It is a set of rules and screens that look for pass-through payments, shared devices, and risky counterparties on accounts that otherwise look like real people.
Does KYC stop mule accounts?
No. Mules often have real documents. You need payout behavior plus screening of who they pay.
Which Naiza APIs are involved?
Fraud event evaluation for the payout and AML screening for the customer and counterparty. Keep both identifiers on the case.