Raiffeisen shares plunge after short-seller alleges $1.2B Russia defense dealings

An American short-seller published a report accusing Raiffeisen Bank International of facilitating at least $1.2 billion in transactions with Russia's sanctioned defense sector, triggering a sharp sell-off in the Austrian bank's shares. The allegations, if confirmed, would expose Raiffeisen to significant regulatory and reputational risk, compounding its existing exposure to Russia. The bank has not yet responded, and the veracity of the report remains unverified.