On Jan. 19, 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice announced penalties of $586 million against Western Union for violations of federal anti-fraud and money-laundering laws between 2004 and 2012. Photographer: Jean-Claude Coutausse/Bloomberg News less On Jan. 19, 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice announced penalties of $586 million against Western Union for violations of federal anti-fraud and money-laundering laws between 2004 and 2012.