Singapore Fines UBS and Citigroup S$27.5 Million in Money Laundering Probe

The Monetary Authority of Singapore's penalties reflect the culmination of a two-year investigation into a S$3 billion money laundering operation tied to the Fujian Gang.

Summary

On July 6, Singapore's Monetary Authority announced fines of S$27.5 million (about $21.5 million) against nine financial companies, including UBS and Citigroup, for anti-money laundering failures. Credit Suisse's Singapore branch, now part of UBS, received the largest fine of S$5.8 million. The investigation, linked to a S$3 billion scheme involving the Fujian Gang, resulted in asset seizures including cash and cryptocurrencies. Ten individuals have been convicted, and the institutions are taking corrective actions under MAS oversight.

Terms & Concepts
  • Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Regulations and procedures aimed at preventing the generation of income through illegal activities.
  • Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): The central bank and financial regulatory authority of Singapore, overseeing monetary policy and financial stability.
  • Fujian gang: A group of individuals of Chinese origin involved in a significant money laundering operation in Singapore.