Citi banker suing for sexual harassment slams firm’s investigation unit as ‘internal hit squad’

A Citigroup executive suing the bank for sexual harassment has slammed the Jane Fraser-led lender’s investigations unit as “HR’s internal hit squad,” according to a report.

Ardith Lindsey made the bombshell claims in an interview with the Financial Times on Wednesday, alleging that the Citi Security and Investigative Services (CSIS) — staffed with ex-FBI agents and prosecutors — twisted her confidential statements to be used against her after she reported death threats from a supervisor.

“Citi’s CSIS operates as HR’s internal hit squad, highly trained to protect the firm at employees’ expense,” the banker was quoted as saying by the FT.

The British newspaper reported that current and former employees have echoed her concerns, saying CSIS probes lead to retaliation or forced exits when staffers raise misconduct flags.

A Citi spokesperson said the lender “takes seriously our responsibility to look into concerns raised about conduct within the bank. These situations are inherently challenging for those involved, and we approach them with professionalism, integrity, and empathy.”

“Our Security and Investigative Services team consists of highly experienced professionals whose responsibilities include supporting Citi disaster response efforts, protection for colleagues around the world, and looking into certain concerns about colleague behaviour along a clearly laid-out set of guidelines,” they added.