Moroccan bank pays €175m in criminal settlement
A Moroccan bank agreed to pay over €175 million to settle a criminal probe by Belgian federal prosecutors.
June 9, 2026
1 min read
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Source: rtbf.be
A Moroccan bank has agreed to pay more than €175 million to settle a criminal investigation by the Belgian federal prosecutor's office, according to a statement from the bank. The settlement, known as a 'transaction pénale' under Belgian law, allows the bank to avoid prosecution by paying a sum of money.
The investigation, which began in 2018, focused on alleged money laundering and tax fraud related to the bank's activities in Belgium. The bank said it cooperated fully with the authorities and has taken steps to strengthen its compliance procedures.
The settlement amount of €175 million is one of the largest ever in Belgium for a criminal settlement. The bank did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the agreement.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'transaction pénale' in Belgian law?
It is a legal mechanism that allows a person or company to avoid criminal prosecution by paying a sum of money to the state, without admitting guilt.
Why did the Belgian federal prosecutor investigate this bank?
The investigation, started in 2018, focused on alleged money laundering and tax fraud linked to the bank's operations in Belgium.
Did the bank admit any wrongdoing?
No, the bank did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement agreement.
