Banks: sanctions evasion driving rise in money laundering risk

Attempts by oligarchs to siphon cash out of Russia sparks heightened scrutiny of AML alerts

International banks are warning of a rise in attempts by Russian firms and individuals that are, or are likely to find themselves, subject to economic sanctions to divert cash out of the country through would-be legitimate means.

The international community has responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by imposing hefty sanctions on the country’s banks and corporates, as well as individuals seen as close to the Russian executive. For banks in countries barred from dealing with such entities