Prosecutors have ordered ING Bank to pay over $800 million for a “structural infringement” of the Netherlands' Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act, failing to conduct the required due diligence to determine the source of clients’ funds.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Dutch Public Prosecution Service said ING’s clients had been able to use the firm’s services for criminal activity “almost undisturbed” from 2010 to 2016.
READ MORE: Ex-European Central Bank Chief Warns of Possible New Global Financial Crisis
The bank has been handed a €675 million fine and will pay back around €100m in fees from transactions likely to be “illegal or unethical.”
An earlier internal review found shortcomings in numerous departments and record-keeping procedures, rendering it difficult to produce an audit trail for some clients’ transactions.
The bank defended its staff, blaming the issues on “collective shortcomings” in senior management, and appropriately, executive board members will not be receiving cash or equity bonuses for this financial year.
“As a bank we have the obligation to ensure that our operations meet the highest standards, especially where it comes to preventing criminals from misusing the financial system. Not meeting those standards is unacceptable and ING takes full responsibility,” ING CEO Ralph Hamers said.
READ MORE: TSB Chief Paul Pester Steps Down as Company CEO, IT Problems Continue
