The Austrian banking group Raiffeisen Bank International claims that it is “determined to reduce business activity in Russia,” but in every possible way the “reduction” has been delayed.
The National Anti-Terrorism Center of the Czech Republic is investigating the activities of the Austrian group Raiffeisenbank in Russia, reports Czech TV.
It is reported that the Association of Citizens and Entrepreneurs’ Rights filed a complaint against the bank, suspecting the financial institution of supporting terrorism and financing aggression, because the bank remained in the Russian market and paid taxes there.
It is noted that the Austrian banking group Raiffeisenbank International is the largest European bank still operating in Russia. According to Libor Malecek, the initiator of the complaint, the Russian representative office of the bank reported a 9% increase in revenues in the first half of 2023.
“How is it possible that we suddenly see in the accounting documents that they give hundreds of millions to terrorism, in support of the war machine?” – asked Malechek.
It is reported that a group of bank customers in the Czech Republic has registered a petition for the bank’s withdrawal from Russia.
“The idea of paying with the same payment card as, figuratively speaking, a supplier of military equipment for the Russian army is unbearable for us,” said the author of the petition, Ladislav Pelcl, a client at the bank.
Meanwhile, the Austrian banking group Raiffeisen Bank International said it is “determined to further reduce business activity in Russia,” but is delaying the “reduction” in all possible ways. Almost a month ago, RBI CEO Johann Strobl said that he considered it possible to separate his subsidiary bank in Russia from the parent group no earlier than the end of December, and earlier said that it should be at the end of September. Strobl added that RBI is still considering selling its Russian subsidiary.
It was previously reported that Raiffeisen Bank intends to spin off its Russian division.
Raiffeisen bank was added to the list of war sponsors
Raiffeisen has no definite plans to exit Russia – NBU
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.