Federal judge OKs MoneyGram fraud deal, $100M fund

HARRISBURG, Pa. A judge in central Pennsylvania is giving his approval to a settlement of fraud charges against MoneyGram International Inc. (MGI), including a $100 million victim compensation fund.

U.S. Middle District Judge Christopher Conner on Wednesday accepted a deferred prosecution agreement between federal prosecutors and the Dallas-based payment services provider.

Prosecutors say the company turned a blind eye to scam artists and money launderers, and took no action against agents linked to fraud schemes.

The company's already paid $65 million toward the fund, which will be administered by a vendor chosen by the U.S. Postal Service.

If the company fulfills its obligations under the deal, after five years federal prosecutors will seek dismissal of the charges of aiding and abetting wire fraud, and failure to maintain an effective money laundering prevention program.