The Los Angeles Civil Rights Department is investigating ongoing complaints of banking discrimination against Armenian customers, despite a previous settlement in 2023 where Citibank agreed to pay $25.9 million for discriminating against customers with Armenian surnames.

Los Angeles Times reports that the discrimination reportedly continues at various banks in the Los Angeles area. The department is reaching out to the local Armenian community for complaints, hoping to investigate these cases for potential civil prosecution.

Citibank’s previous settlement followed claims from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that a unit of the bank discriminated against applicants with Armenian surnames, particularly those from Glendale, suspecting them of fraud. Employees allegedly referred to them with derogatory terms. While Citigroup didn’t admit wrongdoing, it acknowledged that a few employees took improper actions.

Despite Citibank's settlement, complaints continue, including reports of unexplained account closures. The Los Angeles Civil Rights Department, working with the city attorney’s office and the state attorney general, is investigating potential violations, with penalties up to $250,000.