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US Republican Leaders Demand Answers on BPA Intervention | Andorra Facts Andorra’s most-read news outlet reports that the US Congress has shown renewed interest in FinCEN’s involvement in the intervention and subsequent dissolution of Banca Privada d'Andorra (BPA). Congressional Concerns Over FinCEN’s Role in BPA’s Closure US Republican leaders are closely examining the actions of the American administration, particularly FinCEN's decisions, which had significant repercussions for Andorra. These leaders have reactivated their demand for detailed information regarding the intervention that led to BPA’s closure in 2015, amid allegations of irregularities in the process. The renewed interest comes after BPA’s former owners intensified their efforts to demonstrate that the US authorities may have overstepped or were allegedly misled in their actions. This issue resurfaced when certain Andorran media outlets republished historically inaccurate claims. These included accusations that the Cierco family, former owners of BPA, paid American lobbyist Paul Manafort to influence the Trump administration in 2016. The Cierco family has firmly denied these claims, asserting that they never hired Paul Manafort for lobbying activities. Instead, they have been collaborating with Mercury Public Affairs LLC, a prominent Washington, DC-based firm, to substantiate their claims that Andorran authorities acted unlawfully in using FinCEN to eliminate BPA from the market. Congressional Briefings Spark Interest in BPA Case As part of the family’s ongoing efforts, new Republican leaders in Congress have been briefed on the matter and have expressed a desire to uncover more details about the US intervention in BPA’s closure. Additionally, it has been reported that Andorra's ambassador to the US and permanent representative to the United Nations, Elisenda Vives Balmaña, has been informed of these developments. This article was originally published in Altaveu on February 10, 2023.
