A new study has found that the majority of money laundering arrests in the UK involve people under the age of 30. Researchers from Cardiff University and the University of the West of England conducted the analysis using data from 36 police forces in England and Wales, obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests. Between January 2020 and January 2025, 8,956 adults under 30 were arrested for money laundering offenses under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. This represents more than half of the 14,493 total arrests recorded during the period, with 7,735 of those arrests leading to charges. The study highlights that students, especially international students, are often seen as vulnerable to being recruited as "money mules." These individuals transfer illicit funds on behalf of criminals, often using their bank accounts to obscure the source of the money and make it harder for law enforcement to trace the funds. This practice is a common method used by criminal networks to launder money. The research also points out that higher education institutions are not included in the Money Laundering Regulations, which require organizations to report suspicious activity to the UK Financial Intelligence Unit. Because of this, universities are not legally required to monitor or report potential money laundering activities, limiting the information available to law enforcement. This gap in regulation means that efforts to combat money laundering often focus on individuals rather than institutions, potentially missing a broader picture of criminal networks. Study lead Nicholas Ryder, a professor at Cardiff University, noted that this is the first study to provide a comprehensive overview of money laundering offenses across the UK. He emphasized that younger people are more likely to be arrested due to their recruitment as money mules. While the number of cases involving students could not be determined, law enforcement officials believe students are particularly at risk due to factors like financial stress, manipulation, and lack of awareness. Efforts are being made to prevent and respond to these offenses, but the role of universities in identifying and reporting suspicious activity remains unclear under current regulations. Regional differences were also observed, with certain areas such as Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Leicestershire reporting the highest number of money laundering offenses. The 2025 National Risk Assessment by the Home Office and HM Treasury identified schools and universities as an emerging vulnerability for money laundering due to their global connections and financial flows. The UK Fraud Strategy emphasizes the need to educate students about the risks of becoming money mules. Experts and law enforcement officials have called for a more coordinated approach to tackling money laundering, including stronger collaboration between educational institutions, law enforcement, and the financial sector. They also stress the importance of protecting vulnerable students from exploitation and ensuring they are informed about the dangers of financial crime. Educational resources have been developed to help young people recognize the risks and know where to seek help if they are targeted.