Foto AP
About this writes Bloomberg with reference to unnamed sources.
The Frankfurt prosecutor’s office confirmed that it is investigating the possible involvement of “unidentified” employees of the bank in money laundering schemes linked to unnamed companies, the agency notes. “The bank has previously maintained business ties with foreign companies that authorities suspect of being used for money laundering purposes as part of other investigations,” the Frankfurt prosecutor’s office said in a statement.
According to one of Bloomberg’s interlocutors, the investigation concerns transactions made between 2013 and 2018.
“We confirm that the Frankfurt prosecutor’s office is in our offices,” a Deutsche Bank spokesman told Bloomberg, declining to comment on whether the investigation is linked to Abramovich. – The bank is fully cooperating with the investigation.”
“Our client is not aware of any investigation by the German authorities on this matter,” Abramovich’s legal representative said. – Abramovich has always acted in accordance with applicable domestic and international laws and regulations.”
This isn’t the first time Deutsche Bank has faced questions: regulators around the world have criticized the bank for lax anti-money laundering controls, and it has previously faced fines, Bloomberg recalls. And the new investigation may again remind investors of past problems, the agency believes.
Against the background of this news, shares of Deutsche Bank on the Frankfurt stock exchange on January 28 fell by almost 4% in the moment. Markets are afraid of possible financial consequences because of this investigation, notes Bloomberg. The agency emphasizes that the investigation may overshadow the bank’s quarterly reports, the publication of which is scheduled for January 29. According to the consensus forecast of Bloomberg, investors expected to see an increase in revenue and net income.
