Money laundering at NLB (Nova ljubljanska banka)

20.6.2017

Question for written answer E-004074-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Romana Tomc (PPE)

With the reforms of the banking system, Slovenia committed to selling the bank Nova ljubljanska banka (NLB) by the end of 2017. Decision of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, adopted on 8 June 2017, on the procedure for selling NLB shows that the sale has been halted or that obstacles have been created that will prevent a sale.

The National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia’s commission of inquiry has discovered traces of money laundering at NLB. Apparently, transfers of approximately USD 1 billion were made from a state-owned Iranian bank at a time when the Council had used implementing Regulation (EU) No 668/2010 to place embargo against that bank.

1. What is the Commission’s views on the money laundering discoveries unearthed by the commission of inquiry?

2. Has the Commission ever been informed of the controversies at NLB?

3. What action will the Commission take in connection with the commission of inquiry’s discoveries?