When large companies are fined huge amounts, where does the money go?

[Bretrick]

Some of Australia's largest banks where heavily fined.
I wonder who got the money.
Surely it should go to the customers that the banks ripped off.
I heard that it will most likely go into the Governments Consolidated Revenue.

 

[jujube]

Usually when there's a big settlement, you'll find the attorneys first at the feeding trough. By the time they've taken their cut, there's not a lot left for the victims.

Take the big "class action suits"......the award is 5 billion and by the time attorney fees are deducted, the claimants may get a check for $10, if they get anything at all.

 

[ohioboy]

Some of Australia's largest banks where heavily fined.
I wonder who got the money.
Surely it should go to the customers that the banks ripped off.
I heard that it will most likely go into the Governments Consolidated Revenue.

By "Fine" at least in the U.S., it concerns a government action seeking damages. Govt.attorneys may or may not receive some "bonus" (???), but the award is to the govt. but it may be to compensate victims, sure.

A civil judgment isn't a "Fine" so it is a personal award. Any private attorney sets their own fee schedule/contingency contract etc.

For example, the EPA sues a company for violating Eco laws that caused 20 million in damages to nature. Any award is governmental. Unknown if it is credited to the EPA's fund etc., or the General fund of the U.S.??