Why is it so important to have an ID for an Account Opening?

Identification (ID) are the most basic yet the most important requirements upon account opening. Maybe at first you may not understand the importance of this but for banking purposes, this is a very serious matter. Why? We all know that banking benefits us all, this may also be used by the bad elements in our society. Who are these bad elements in our society and how can they make use of the Banks services for their operations. In the United States, one of the primary source of information of the Federal government there are by investigating bank accounts of suspected terrorists. You may don't want to believe it but this is one of the most delicate matter the U.S. government is very sensitive. Should a terrorist manage to open an account, they can now fund their operatives abroad. See what I mean? Here in the Philippines, law enforcement agencies are looking out not only for terrorist but also to those with illegal business transactions. It maybe about gambling, drugs, smuggling or even some of the most heinous crimes that may occur. So try to understand why banks are very strict during an account opening.