The Associates, acquired by Citigroup, engaged in systematic and widespread deceptive and abusive lending practices such as the packing of unwanted credit insurance on consumers' loans.
Research analysts at Salomon Smith Barney published false or misleading research reports that were exaggerated, unwarranted, or lacked a reasonable basis.
"Nearly four years of relentless campaigning by Rainforest Action Network and allies around the world" seems to have paid off, as this press release by RAN indicates.
