Underfunding of BSA/AML compliance made TD Bank an unwitting partner to cross-border crime
Law enforcement officials stumbled on TD Bank’s role in money laundering while investigating a Mexican drug cartel. They found that the bank’s corporate culture considered compliance, particularly BSA/AML compliance, a low priority. As they dug deeper, authorities discovered that multiple money laundering schemes had infiltrated the bank’s network.
Strengthening BSA/AML defenses: Critical role of ERTs in modern day compliance
Enforcement actions in the first half of of 2024 by the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network highlight the importance of proactive measures in Bank Secrecy Act compliance rather than just being compliant.
DOJ orders PetroChina unit to pay $14.5M over export control violations
PetroChina International America agreed to pay a fine and forfeiture of $14.5 million to settle charges with the Department of Justice that it violated U.S. export control laws.
OFAC sanctions drug cartel over China procurement; FinCEN issues advisory
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and Secretary Janet Yellen announced sanctions Thursday against the top leaders of La Nueva Familia Michoacana drug cartel over the illicit trafficking of synthetic opioid fentanyl in the United States.
Ex-Stericycle finance director charged for bribery scheme role
A former finance director at medical waste disposal company Stericycle faces Department of Justice charges for his alleged role in a bribery scheme that led the company to an $84 million settlement regarding violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Calavo Growers discloses potential FCPA issues
Multinational produce and agriculture company Calavo Growers disclosed in an annual filing an investigation into its Mexico operations found potential issues under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Five compliance triumphs from 2023
A financial services giant’s compliance mea culpa that could serve to benefit the rest of the profession, a chemical company’s praised FCPA settlement, and an example of the value of whistleblowers highlight CW’s annual list of laudable ethics and compliance moments.
Lifecore Biomedical earns FCPA declination for voluntary self-disclosure
Pharmaceuticals company Lifecore Biomedical won’t face prosecution for apparent violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act after satisfying multiple factors of the Department of Justice’s recently updated voluntary self-disclosure policy.
Kroll survey: Firms rapidly adopting AI tools for financial crime compliance
A new survey of senior leaders and risk professionals from around the world found more than half the respondents have turned to artificial intelligence technology to address a perceived rise in financial crime risks, although most solutions are still rather new.
Stericycle to pay $84M to resolve FCPA violations
Medical waste disposal company Stericycle has agreed to pay $84 million in civil and criminal penalties to resolve allegations it paid bribes to win government contracts in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.