U.S. Allocates $50 Million to Estonia

The U.S. Justice Department has announced a $50 million allocation to Estonia, recognizing its significant support in the prosecution of Danske Bank, which was implicated in a major money laundering scandal involving suspicious transactions of around 200 billion euros. Danske Bank pleaded guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and agreed to forfeit $2 billion as part of the settlement. The funds will be used by Estonia to enhance its capabilities in combating financial crimes, including money laundering and cybercrime, through improved training for law enforcement and compliance with regulations. Estonia's cooperation was crucial in providing evidence that aided the U.S. investigation. This agreement underscores a strong partnership between the U.S. and Estonia in tackling global financial crime. The announcement follows a politically sensitive collaboration between both nations during the investigation process.