Czech banks said to close accounts of Belarusians, Russians

May 16, BPN. Some banks in the Czech Republic have closed the accounts of Belarusian and Russian nationals who are in the country on work and student visas, according to e15.cz.

The website says the local Russian community complained that the banks did not give any reason for their actions.

Several financial institutions confirmed they follow “special rules” for non-EU residents. They said they require proof of current credible connection to the Czech Republic.

Banks also said they check the sanctions lists and the risks posed by each client.

The EU limited financial flows from Belarus to Europe and banned transactions with the Belarusian central bank. These are just some of the measures imposed on Minsk in 2022 because of its support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.