A washing machine monument – an obvious reference to money laundering – was erected last night outside the offices of Pilatus Bank, whose chairman has been arrested in the United States on charges of having breached US sanctions against Iran and of money laundering.
A washing machine has been placed on a stone slab, with the words “The monument was erected by the Prim (sic) Minister of Malta Hon Dr Joseph Muscat MP KUOM to celebrate the opening of Pilatus Bank in Malta. Today 3rd January 2014”.
The washing machine and slab have since been removed.
In reaction to the arrest of Ali Sadr Hashemi Nejad, Muscat said that the bank was brought over to Malta under the Nationalist Party administration, a claim that can easily be denied seeing that the bank was given a licence to operate in Malta when he was Prime Minister.
Ali Sadr Hashemi Nejadhas been arrested on charges that he evaded U.S. economic sanctions against Iran by sending more than $115 million from Venezuela through U.S. banks.
The MFSA supervisory council has removed Ali Sadr Hasheminejad from any position he holds at Pilatus Bank, but refrained from revoking the banking licence of the company.
A washing machine, made from cardboard, was also placed outside the MFSA office.
