European banks have introduced additional verification procedures and often refuse to open accounts for Belarusians and Russians.
Our readers report that yesterday, the Polish bank PKO stopped opening accounts for anyone with Belarusian and Russian passports. Previously, the bank opened accounts for foreigners directly with their passports.
PKO initially published a message on Twitter that this information is not true. Referring to the fact that they can refuse only if the person is in the EU list of restrictions or has no documents. Now the post has been deleted.
At the ING bank, the Belarusian, who is already a client of the institution, was denied additional services. He was told that because of the Belarusian passport he could only use the account, which he had opened earlier.
European banks also plan to check Belarusians and Russians, who already have accounts, for terrorist financing, war, and illegal activities.
In the Czech Republic, those who already have valid accounts are asked to come into the branch to verify their identity.
Three weeks ago, Russia, with the help of Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s regime, unleashed an aggressive war against Ukraine. A ground invasion of Ukraine is launched from the territory of Belarus, and missiles and airstrikes are carried out. Because of the war, unprecedented sanctions and restrictions have been imposed against Russia and Belarus, affecting various areas.
