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Economic Sanctions

UK Sanctions

This section includes the UK Sanctions List, published by the UK Government which provides details of those designated under regulations made under the Sanctions Act.

Department for International Trade (DIT)
Embargoes and sanctions 
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Financial sanctions targets by regime
Financial Sanctions, Russia
Financial sanctions, Iran (human rights)
Financial sanctions, Belarus
HM Treasury – Financial Sanctions
OFSI General Licenses
The UK Sanctions List
UK Sanctions List: change in format

And many more…

 

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NCA issues Amber Alert warning state-backed networks, particularly from Russia, Iran, and North Korea, using shadow fleets and opaque corporate structures to evade sanctions on oil and other commodities

November 13, 2025

These networks exploit shell companies, complex ownership chains, and minimal transparency to conceal cargo origins, with a “red–blue” model linking red companies directly to sanctioned sources and blue companies to Western finance, insurance, and commodities markets. The alert identifies red flags such as sudden large-volume trading by new companies, limited corporate history, and registration in high-risk…

UK Sanctions List last updated

October 27, 2025

UK sanctions gang leaders and illicit financiers aiding people-smuggling from the Western Balkans, freezing assets and targeting financial networks behind human trafficking

October 22, 2025

The announcement details the listing of Balkan-based organised crime groups, including a Kosovan forgery ring and a Croatian gang supplying fake passports, as well as financiers such as the ALPA network that process money and procure small boat components for smuggling networks. Further measures include a travel ban into the UK, asset freezes and exclusion from the UK financial system…

OFSI’s Annual Review 2024–25 highlights stronger enforcement, record asset freezes and expanded international cooperation as the UK sharpens its financial sanctions regime

October 15, 2025

The review reports over £37 billion in frozen assets, increased Russia-related designations and a rise in proactive, intelligence-led enforcement actions. It also details enhanced licensing activity, broader industry outreach and closer collaboration with global partners to strengthen the effectiveness and consistency of UK sanctions implementation.

UK imposes sanctions on 71 Iranian individuals and entities linked to Iran’s nuclear programme, including financial institutions and energy companies

September 30, 2025

The sanctions impose asset freezes, travel bans, and director disqualifications on the targeted individuals and entities. They also signal the UK’s commitment to coordinating with international partners to ensure compliance with UN nuclear-related restrictions…

FCDO imposes sanctions on Georgian individuals and entities backing Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine to weaken its support network and cut energy revenues

September 29, 2025

Two oil tankers involved in transporting Russian oil to the Georgian port of Batumi have been sanctioned. These vessels are part of Russia’s “shadow fleet”—dilapidated ships used to circumvent sanctions. They are now barred from UK ports and prohibited from registering under the UK Ship Register. Individuals: Georgian politician and media mogul Levan Vasadze has been sanctioned for…

OFSI’s Financial Sanctions Notice (Sept 25) requires all holders of designated persons’ frozen assets to report their value by 30 Nov 25, including “nil returns,” with strict penalties for non-compliance

September 11, 2025

The report must include details of assets frozen both in the UK and overseas, where subject to UK financial sanctions legislation. Entities that previously submitted reports must provide updated information, and those no longer holding such assets should submit a “nil return.” Failure to comply with these reporting obligations may result in penalties…

 

 

OFSI issues Disclosure Notice to Vanquis Bank for an 8-day delay in freezing a designated person’s a/c, allowing cash withdrawals and a transaction, stressing the need for robust sanctions controls

September 8, 2025

The breach involved a delay of eight days in restricting access to the account of a person who had been designated under the sanctions regime. During this time, the designated person (DP) was able to withdraw £200 in cash and make a purchase of £8.99. VBL’s internal screening flagged the DP soon after designation, but due to resource constraints…

HMT consults on proposed reforms to toughen OFSI enforcement with a Case Assessment Matrix, stricter discounts, new settlement tools, and fines up to £2M or 100% of breach value – open until 13 Oct 2025

July 22, 2025

Key proposals include a new Case Assessment Matrix to better link breach severity with penalties; introducing an Early Account Scheme offering up to 40% penalty discounts for early cooperation; capping voluntary disclosure discounts at 30%; and adding a settlement option with an extra 20% discount for swift resolution…

OFSI launches new online forms to simplify sanctions compliance processes, including licence applications, breach reporting, and frozen asset notifications

July 17, 2025

These user-friendly forms provide built-in guidance and mandatory fields to reduce errors and speed up processing by directing submissions straight to the relevant teams. While still optional during a transition period, the online system aims to improve clarity, accessibility, and efficiency for businesses and individuals navigating sanctions requirements. Feedback is welcomed via ofsi@hmtreasury.gov.uk …

NCA issues a red alert on “shadow fleet” networks evading maritime sanctions, urging FIs to enhance due diligence, monitor vessel and ownership risks tied to Russia-linked evasion

July 3, 2025

These vessels exploit tactics such as AIS manipulation, frequent reflagging under flags of convenience, and ownership obfuscation to avoid detection and enforcement. The alert highlights the growing use of covert shipping networks in response to Russia-related sanctions and the critical role of financial intelligence in disrupting these schemes…

OFSI updates UK’s Russia sanctions list, adding 16 individuals – requiring firms to freeze assets, suspend trust services, cease dealings without a licence, and report any links

June 26, 2025

The update reinforces reporting obligations, clarifies that duplicate reports are unnecessary, and warns that violations or circumvention efforts may lead to criminal prosecution. The notice also highlights extended whistleblower protections and…

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