More fallout from the "Panama Papers" a/k/a leaked documents from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. We previously posted on June 25, 2016 Federal Agents & Prosecutors Gearing Up to Utilize "Panama Papers" in Their Prosecutions where we discussed that Federal agents and prosecutors are "chomping at the bit" to exploit the Panama Papers and launch prosecutions, a senior federal law enforcement official told NBC News, but want to be sure that the way the huge data dump about offshore money was obtained doesn't jeopardize their cases.
Now Financial Services Superintendent Maria T. Vullo announced on 8/19/16 that Mega International Commercial Bank of Taiwan will pay a $180 million penalty and install an independent monitor for violating New York’s anti-money laundering laws.
The fine is part of a consent order entered into with the Department of Financial Services (DFS) pursuant to which Mega Bank shall take immediate steps to correct violations, including engaging an independent monitor to address serious deficiencies within the bank’s compliance program and implement effective anti-money laundering controls. Mega Bank is a major international financial institution with approximately $103 billion in assets, including $9 billion at its New York branch.
Violations of anti-money laundering requirements at Mega Bank were uncovered in a recent DFS examination, which found that the bank’s head office was indifferent toward risks associated with transactions involving Panama, recognized as a high-risk jurisdiction for money-laundering. Mega Bank has a branch in Panama City and another in Panama’s Colon Free Trade Zone. DFS’s investigation identified a number of suspicious transactions running between Mega Bank’s New York and Panama Branches.
The investigation also determined that a substantial number of customer entities, which have or had accounts at several other Mega Bank branches, were apparently formed with the assistance of the Mossack Fonseca law firm in Panama. Mossack Fonseca is one of the law firms at the center of the formation of shell company activity, possibly designed to skirt banking and tax laws worldwide, including U.S. laws designed to fight money laundering.
Do You Have Undeclared Income
From A Foreign Entity
Formed By Mossack Fonseca ?
Do You Have Undeclared Accounts
With Any of the Following Foreign Banks?
Want to Know Witch OVDP Program is Right for You?
Contact the Tax Lawyers at
Marini& Associates, P.A.
for a FREE Tax Consultation
at: www.TaxAid.com or www.TaxLaw.ms
or Toll Free at 888-8TaxAid (888) 882-9243
Sources:
Mondo Visione
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Read more at: Tax Times blog
