MOSCOW, September 16 (RIA Novosti) - The...

The Federal Customs Service had sought compensation from the bank, which it accused of helping to transfer billions of dollars in shadow imports to Russia in the late 1990s.

Kudrin, who is also deputy prime minister, said the bank"s "guilt has not been proven, and the agreement will be signed."

He said the U.S. authorities had also failed to prove similar money laundering charges against the bank, but BNY paid them $14 million in costs acknowledging its employees" mistakes.

"The sides have come to an amicable settlement and agreed that some costs, amounting to no less than the sum paid to the U.S. government should be paid," Kudrin said, adding the bank would also give a loan to the Russian government.

He did not elaborate on the amount of the loan saying it would be a "gesture of goodwill" and a sign of the bank"s willingness to work with Russia.

Kudrin"s statement confirmed Tuesday"s Wall Street Journal report, citing people close to the talks

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