> criminal pays a heroin addict for their real ID and then basically uses them as pass through nominee on the account
Sure. If you're at a financial institution and accept that documentation, you're personally in for a world of hurt. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, either due to someone being negligent, overworked or happy to look the other way. But if it's caught, it's not great for the individual. (The bank will survive after paying a fine unless it's systemic.)
I imagine they usually don't know. Some fraction of identities are real IDs taken advantage of by sanctioned entities. If you bank at all you knowingly accept some level of sanctioned entities, but often don't know what identity they operate.
> Some fraction of identities are real IDs taken advantage of by sanctioned entities
Sure. But if the addict you mentioned's account goes from overdrafting every few weeks to holding millions of dollars, that should set off internal alarms.
Sure. If you're at a financial institution and accept that documentation, you're personally in for a world of hurt. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen, either due to someone being negligent, overworked or happy to look the other way. But if it's caught, it's not great for the individual. (The bank will survive after paying a fine unless it's systemic.)