Your Child Was Arrested: What Parents Should Do
Knowing the right first steps can help your child after a mule account arrest.
Sources checked 2026-09-15
Your child was arrested over a mule account: what does that mean?
A call saying your child has been arrested is one of the worst moments a parent can have. In a mule account case, police suspect your child let their bank account be used to move money from a crime. This is a criminal matter under the Penal Code.
Some children in these cases did not know they were doing anything illegal. Young adults can be targets. Someone offers a part-time job, asks them to receive and pass on money, or talks them into lending their account, and the money trail then leads to your child.
The legal process has clear steps and deadlines. You can act now to protect your child’s rights.
What should I do in the first hours?
Write down the basics: which police station, the investigating officer’s name if you know it, and the time of arrest. A lawyer will ask for these.
Contact a criminal defence lawyer straight away. You do not need your child’s permission. [f4] A lawyer you engage has the same standing as one your child engages, and can visit your child at the station.
Do not go to the station to argue with officers or explain things informally. You may say something that harms the case. Leave all contact with the police to the lawyer.
How does remand work for a young adult?
After the arrest, police may ask a magistrate for a remand order, which keeps your child in custody while they investigate. [f1] For an offence carrying under 14 years in jail, which includes s424A, s424B and s424C, the magistrate can allow up to 4 days at first, and police can ask for up to 3 more. The maximum is 7 days in total.
At 18 or older, your child goes through the adult process. [f5] The Child Act 2001 only protects those under 18. A lawyer at the remand hearing can still ask for a shorter period by pointing to your child’s age, clean record (if they have one) and family support.
During remand, family visits are limited, but your child has a constitutional right to see their lawyer. [f2] That is why a lawyer should be engaged as soon as possible after the arrest.
Does my child have a right to a lawyer?
Yes. Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution gives every arrested person the right to consult a lawyer. [f2] Your child should tell police they want a lawyer before giving any statement.
You can, and should, engage the lawyer for them. [f4] A young adult in custody can be frightened and unsure how to ask for help, so you arrange it from outside.
If cost is a worry, the Legal Aid Centre run by the Malaysian Bar may be able to help at low or no cost in some criminal matters, and it can tell you whether your child qualifies. Do not let cost delay getting a lawyer.
How does bail work in a mule account case?
Offences under Sections 424A, 424B and 424C of the Penal Code are bailable. [f3] This means bail is your child’s right, but the court (or the police) sets the amount and conditions.
The lawyer prepares the bail application before the bail hearing. It includes proof that your child has strong ties here: university or polytechnic enrolment, work records, family support and a fixed address. These can help the lawyer argue for a lower bail amount.
Once bail is paid and your child is released, they must keep every bail condition. These may include reporting to a police station on set dates, handing in their passport and not contacting witnesses. Breaking any condition can lead to re-arrest.
Should I confront my child about what happened?
Not yet. Anger, shame and confusion are normal, but the time between arrest and trial is not the time to demand explanations.
Your child needs to know you are on their side. A child who feels supported may find it easier to work with the lawyer and recall details. A child who feels alone may shut down, and that can make the defence harder to build.
Leave the hard conversations until the legal situation settles. For now, your job is practical: engage the lawyer, gather documents and make sure your child follows every legal requirement.
What documents and evidence should I gather?
Whether your child is in remand or out on bail, start collecting documents. These include statements for the bank account involved, work records, university enrolment letters, and any messages or job adverts that show how your child was recruited.
Do not delete anything from your child’s phone or accounts. These records can help if they show your child was deceived into taking part. A lawyer who handles evidence preparation will tell you exactly what to keep and how.
Keep a simple notebook of police contact, court dates and lawyer meetings, with dates. The process can run for months, and this keeps you organised.
What happens after my child is released on bail?
The investigation carries on. The investigating officer finishes the investigation paper and sends it to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP). The DPP then decides whether to charge, ask for more investigation, or take no further action (NFA).
Use this waiting time to build the defence with the lawyer. Your child’s age, any lack of a previous record, evidence that they were deceived and their cooperation with police may all matter.
The investigation timeline varies, and nobody can promise a date. If the case goes to trial, it can take much longer.
How do I choose a lawyer for this case?
Not every lawyer takes mule account cases. Look for a criminal defence lawyer with experience in financial crime or mule account defence. They will know the relevant Penal Code sections, the usual bail amounts in your local court and the defences that may apply to young adults.
Ask how many mule account cases they have handled and how those ended. A good lawyer will be honest about your child’s position and will not promise a result. They will explain the process, the risks and their next steps.
For more options, the guide on finding legal help lists resources, including the Malaysian Bar’s Legal Aid Centre, and how to assess a lawyer for this kind of case.
Sources
- Criminal Procedure Code, Section 117 (Remand periods)
- Federal Constitution of Malaysia, Article 5(3) (Right to counsel)
- Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2024, Sections 424A, 424B
- Malaysian Bar Legal Aid Centre, “Know Your Rights When Arrested”
- Child Act 2001 (Applicability to persons under 18)
Need a Lawyer for Your Frozen Account Case?
Request Lawyer ContactFor people seeking legal representation. For general information, use our guides and tools.
Independent information resource, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. Where appropriate and with your consent, we can connect you with an independent lawyer. Availability and acceptance of a case are not guaranteed. How referral works
My child is 19. Are they treated differently from older adults?
No. In Malaysia, anyone 18 or older goes through the adult criminal process; the Child Act 2001 only covers those under 18. A judge may still weigh your child's age when setting bail and at sentencing, and a lawyer can raise it in their favour.
What must police tell me when my child is arrested?
Under Section 87 of the Child Act 2001, police must immediately tell a child's parent or guardian and a probation officer about the arrest, but that applies only to children under 18. If your child is 18 or older, police have no duty to tell you and you have no automatic right to be there. Your child does have the right to a lawyer, so engage one who can advise your child before the statement and protect your child's rights.
How much does bail cost for a mule account case?
Offences under Sections 424A, 424B and 424C are bailable, so bail is a right, but the court or police sets the amount based on the charges, your child's ties to the community and the risk of running away. A lawyer can argue for a lower amount.
Should I blame my child or confront them about what happened?
Not now. Your child needs your support to get through the legal process. Leave the hard conversations until a lawyer has looked at the case, and focus on the legal steps and keeping your child calm.
What if my child was tricked into lending their account?
This can happen: someone offers a job or quick money in exchange for bank details. A lawyer who handles mule account cases can look at whether a defence applies, including what your child knew about how the account was used.
Can my child continue university or work during the case?
Yes, if released on bail. Bail conditions may include reporting to a police station and handing in the passport. A lawyer can ask for conditions that let your child keep studying or working.
Related pages
If your situation is a little different, these pages cover the closest topics.
Need a Lawyer for Your Frozen Account Case?
Request Lawyer ContactFor people seeking legal representation. For general information, use our guides and tools.
Independent information resource, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. Where appropriate and with your consent, we can connect you with an independent lawyer. Availability and acceptance of a case are not guaranteed. How referral works