HalkBank-DOJ Deal to End Criminal Case Questioned by Lawmakers

The Trump administration’s decision to drop a long-running US criminal case against a Turkish state-owned bank for allegedly violating US sanctions on Iran is being questioned by Democratic lawmakers.

A group of US senators led by Adam Schiff of California said they’re demanding Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche explain the March agreement Turkiye Halk Bankasi AS reached with the Justice Department. The deal, which is being reviewed by a judge, allows the Turkish state-owned bank to avoid criminal charges and financial penalties.