Raiffeisen denied reports of threats of sanctions from the United States for work in Russia

The Austrian group Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) said that the US Treasury did not warn it that it would impose sanctions on RBI because of the group’s business in Russia. The group also denied reports that the US Treasury had brought charges of violating or evading sanctions against the RBI.

“Media reports that there is a specific threat of sanctions from the US Treasury against Raiffeisen Bank International are untrue,” Reuters quoted the bank as saying.

The fact that the US threatened to impose sanctions against the RBI for doing business in Russia, March 9 reported EUobserver portal, attaching a press release from the US Treasury. It talked about the trip and… O. US Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Anna Morris to Vienna to discuss issues related to sanctions against Russia. According to a press release, in the Austrian capital, Ms. Morris met with representatives of the country’s government and RBI management. Representatives of Raiffeisen Bank then told EUobserver that the bank “as a matter of principle does not publicly comment on discussions with government officials.”

In March 2023, the European Central Bank demanded that Raiffeisen Bank close its business in Russia. From August 1, the bank suspended the acceptance and purchase of cash dollars and euros from individuals, and from October 23 stopped accepting rubles to foreign currency accounts through cash desks. In February 2024, Reuters source reportedthat the Austrian financial regulator is investigating the RBI for violating anti-money laundering regulations. Payments involving Russia came under scrutiny.

For more information about what restrictions the Austrian group may face from the United States, see the Kommersant FM article. “RBI faces sanction bill”.

Milena Kostereva