This dissertation focuses on the question how money mules are recruited and which mechanisms play a role. Money mules are people who receive money from victims of online fraud. They are an indispensable link in the commission of financial-economic cybercrimes, such as phishing and bank helpdesk fraud, because they break the financial trail from victims to core members. The crucial role of money mules in the crime script and the possible consequences for young money mules themselves make them a valuable target group for scientific research. Almost no empirical research has been conducted into money mules and the involvement mechanisms of cybercrime. However, this knowledge is necessary for the development and application of prevention measures: interventions aimed at money mules disrupt the execution of various forms of online fraud, which can reduce victimization of cybercrime among citizens and businesses. In total, the dissertation consists of six empirical chapters, in which different research methods were used. This includes questionnaires and expert interviews, but also more unique and innovative methods such as online field experiments and analysis of police investigations into cybercriminal networks. The dissertation shows that money mules - still - form a crucial link in the world of financial-economic cybercrime. It is clear that this phenomenon manifests itself in different ways over time: online bank accounts, international bank accounts and crypto wallets are currently popular among cybercriminal networks because they offer even more anonymity than bank accounts at large traditional banks. This also means that money mules are also recruited for their identification cards instead of their bank card, which offenders use to open up accounts for themselves. It can be concluded that the social environment of money mules forms a criminal opportunity structure. Money mules are approached via-via and actively addressed; online on social media such as Instagram and Telegram but also offline on the street, at school or at the metro station. Social relationships therefore offer cybercriminal networks access to co-offenders, including money mules, and can explain why young people become involved in the world of cybercrime. Financial motivations play a role here, because money mules often look up to the luxurious lifestyle of criminals and give up bank account details in exchange for compensation. Risk perceptions regarding the likelihood of being caught and the consequences of money muling are low and money mules justify the criminal behavior. In addition to financial considerations, some recruiters also exert pressure or even threaten with violence. This reflects the heterogeneous nature of the target group and makes it clear that various involvement mechanisms play a role.
