Record Fine for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Lapses (high) The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) imposed a record fine of EUR 2,070,000 against Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) on June 28, 2024, for breaches of the Financial Markets Anti-Money Laundering Act (FM-GwG). The breach involved failure to prove the adequacy of AML/CFT checks in two correspondent banking relationships with respondent institutions established in third countries (sources suggest Cuba and Bahrain). RBI lodged an appeal against the penal order on July 25, 2024.. Massive Damages Imposed by Russian Court (critical) A Russian court imposed damages exceeding €2 billion ($2.1 billion) against Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) in a landmark ruling. This ruling highlights extreme legal and financial instability for the bank's operations in Russia, where it remains the largest Western bank. RBI lawyers accused the court of using intimidation tactics.. US Treasury Warning Regarding Russian Operations (critical) RBI has faced pressure and received a recent warning from the US Treasury Department regarding its continued significant business activities in Russia. The warning indicates that RBI's access to the American financial system could be restricted due to its Russian dealings. Despite announcing plans to divest its Russian operations, the bank has yet to follow through.. Allegations of Systemic Fraud and Judicial Manipulation ('Raiffeisen-Skandal') (high) A dedicated platform (raiffeisenskandal.com) alleges a systemic scandal involving 'several hundred million Euro damage' and a network of 'personal enrichment, juridical manipulations and economic interests.' The allegations specifically name Raiffeisenbank Mostviertel directors (Johannes Scheuchelbauer, Kurt Moser, Beatrix De Monte), a prominent Vienna law firm (Dr. Gregor Schett), and close, potentially corrupt, connections to the judiciary (Handelsgericht Wien). The platform claims to possess thousands of emails, documents, and confidential recordings proving manipulated procedures and agreed-upon judgments.