Topic: Wachovia Laundering

An investigation into Wachovia Bank, now owned by Wells Fargo, reveals the laundering of $378 billion for Mexican drug cartels through Casas de Cambio. The discussion posits that the 2007 global credit crunch was triggered when Wachovia was forced to cut ties with these entities, removing a massive source of liquid drug money from the banking system. The bank eventually paid a $110 million fine, which the hosts describe as a fraction of their profits.

An investigation by The Guardian reveals that Wachovia Bank, now owned by Wells Fargo, laundered $378 billion for Mexican drug cartels. The hosts discuss a theory that the 2007 global credit crunch was triggered when these cartels withdrew liquid assets from the banking system in response to federal investigations.

Wachovia Bank reached a settlement regarding the laundering of nearly $400 billion in drug money from Mexican and Colombian cartels. Critics argue the resulting fines were insufficient and suggest that illicit drug capital has played a significant role in maintaining global banking liquidity during the financial crisis.

Bloomberg Markets Magazine reports that Wachovia and Bank of America laundered hundreds of millions of dollars for Mexican drug cartels. The discussion references the documentary "Cocaine Cowboys" to illustrate the long history of banks being funded by illicit narcotics trade. The hosts contrast the lack of criminal prosecution for big banks with the strict financial tracking imposed on ordinary citizens.