Scott Ritter, a former U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer and independent journalist, announced on January 14, 2026, that he had been de-banked by Citizens Bank, his long-time financial institution with which he had a 26-year relationship.  His accounts were abruptly zeroed out without explanation, leaving him and his family unable to access funds or make electronic payments. 

Ritter claims the action was likely prompted by suspicious activity reports (SARs) filed by the bank, possibly triggered by large cash withdrawals he made before three trips to Russia in 2025—each involving $10,000 in cash, which he carried due to Russia’s disconnection from the Western digital economy.  He suspects federal authorities, particularly the FBI, may have tipped off the bank after obtaining his financial records through a Grand Jury subpoena related to an investigation into potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). 

He emphasizes that no due process was followed, and Citizens Bank is under no obligation to disclose reasons for account closures.  Ritter views the move as a form of financial harassment targeting critics of U.S. foreign policy, especially those who advocate for peace with Russia.  He has called on lawmakers like Paul Tonko and Kash Patel to investigate potential collusion between federal agencies and banks.

The incident has drawn attention from international media outlets, including RT, Pravda EN, and YouTube commentators, who frame it as part of a broader pattern of de-risking and suppression of dissent in the U.S. financial system.