S Amol Bank

S Amol Bank Privatization efforts in the banking industry have been slow to take hold, but are beginning to show progress. A model of success has been the Amol Bank. It has attracted customers (depositors) in growing numbers. The bank has invested these funds in prosperous small enterprises in Moldova. The World Bank has acknowledged Amol as a model of banking for developing countries. The number three ranking official of the World Bank is scheduled to pay a visit to Chisinau in early November for the purpose of a courtesy call on the bank. Privately, World Bank officials have told government officials that a major development for the country will be discussed in November.

S Amol Bank On 12 October, the chief financial officer of the Bank was reported missing. Foul play is suspected by the police. On 13 October, the Bank’s president advises the Ministry of Finance that a check of certain key accounts under the control of the missing financial officer shows “suspicious discrepancies.” The same day, a police informant of uncertain reliability reports that the missing financial officer had close connections with the Russian Mafia. The press has seized on the news of the missing officer, focusing on possible foul play.

S Amol Bank 15 October – The Bank President tells Finance and police officials that the Bank has no funds. A more thorough audit clearly indicates that the accounts under the missing financial officer’s control have been drained. The Bank is “broke,” and the depositors’ money is gone. He believes money laundering was involved. Late 15 October – There is no sign of the missing banker, although a search of his apartment turns up a carbon copy of an airline ticket from Bucharest to Zurich on 12 October. Several of the press have contacted Bank and government officials asking if the disappearance had anything to do with the financial soundness of the Bank.