As many as 23 public and private sector banks and insurance companies were today accused of "running a nation-wide money laundering racket, blatantly violating laws of the land" by online portal Cobrapost.
"In its continuing undercover operation, spanning several months, Cobrapost finds dozens and dozens of major public sector banks, and many more private banks, across the country are blatantly involved in money laundering, as are major insurers. In all, 23 banks and insurance companies have been exposed," the portal said in a release.
Cobrapost alleged that the financial sector entities offered to open bank accounts and lockers for customers without following Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, convert their black money into white and obtain fictitious PAN cards.
Those named in the expose include SBI, LIC, Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Reliance Life, Tata AIA, Yes Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, IDBI Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Dena Bank, Corporation Bank, Allahabad Bank, Central Bank of India, Dhanlaxmi Bank, Federal Bank, DCB Bank and Birla Sun Life.
This is the second expose by Cobrapost. Earlier on March 14, it had alleged money laundering by top private sector banks -- HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank.
Taking note of the development, Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Takru said, "I have asked Indian Banks Association (IBA) to look into Cobrapost allegations...There is a need to examine allegations." He said three senior officials have been asked to look into the issue.
Talking to reporters, State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman Pratip Chaudhuri said the bank would investigate the allegations and take severe action against those found guilty.
"So far, it does not indicate if KYC violations have been done. But if they have been done, the people would be severely punished," he said. "We are very clear that there is zero tolerance for any money laundering or working around the KYC.
