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Economic Sanctions
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FCA’s latest findings warns that despite £37B in frozen assets and stronger sanctions frameworks, firms remain vulnerable to sanctions breaches due to persistent gaps in DD, screening & compliance controls
The FCA also highlighted ongoing challenges in detecting and preventing trade sanctions breaches, noting that firms often employ a wider range of controls for trade sanctions than for financial sanctions. Most reported breaches continue to relate to Russia, although reports involving Libya, Iran and North Korea are increasing. To strengthen coordination and intelligence sharing, the FCA has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the OTSI complementing its existing agreement with the OFSI…
U.S. Treasury sanctions Iran’s ‘Persian Gulf Strait Authority’, an IRGC-linked entity accused of extorting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to fund Iran’s military, proxies and nuclear programme
OFAC designates the Persian Gulf Strait Authority under counterterrorism sanctions, describing it as an IRGC-linked mechanism to impose illegitimate tolls, demand vessel information and direct commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury warns that anyone co-operating with the authority may face sanctions exposure, including where payments are made through fiat currency, digital assets, offsets, informal swaps or other in-kind…
UK imposes new sanctions on Russia’s crypto and shadow finance networks, including the Kremlin-linked A7 system and exchanges, to disrupt sanctions evasion and cut war funding to Ukraine
The press release announces 18 new designations aimed at Russia’s financial infrastructure, including cryptocurrency exchanges, A7-linked individuals, a Kyrgyz bank suspected of facilitating payments, and Georgian companies operating Russia-focused exchanges. The UK frames the package as part of its wider effort to disrupt sanctions evasion, cut off funding routes for Russia’s war economy and adapt its sanctions response to evolving shadow finance…
FCDO sanctions 18 crypto firms and individuals linked to Russia’s sanctions-evasion networks, including HTX, over allegations they helped move $90B into Russia and facilitated $1.5B in suspect transactions
A key target is the A7 network, a group of companies and individuals that reportedly moved $90 billion into Russia’s economy, an amount exceeding half of Russia’s annual military budget. The sanctions also include major crypto exchange HTX, which UK authorities suspect facilitated more than $1.5 billion in transactions linked to Russia through dealings with previously sanctioned entities, including Garantex. The move highlights growing concerns over the use of cryptocurrency networks, stablecoins and alternative payment channels to evade sanctions and finance Russia’s war effort in Ukraine…
Council of the EU expands its Iran sanctions framework to target those undermining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, enabling asset freezes, travel bans, and financial restrictions
The decision follows heightened concerns over threats to maritime security and commercial shipping routes linked to Iranian actions and regional instability in the Gulf. The expanded framework enables the EU to impose targeted restrictive measures against actors involved in disrupting international navigation, reinforcing broader…
OFAC sanctions 9 Hizballah-aligned officials in Lebanon for obstructing peace efforts and undermining efforts to disarm the Iran-backed group by maintaining its influence across state institutions
The measures target members of parliament, security officials, and militia-linked actors alleged to have coordinated with Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to preserve Hizballah’s armed presence and political influence in Lebanon. Treasury also highlights intelligence-sharing, joint military coordination, and intimidation activities involving allied groups such as the Amal Movement, warning that financial institutions facilitating transactions for designated persons could face sanctions exposure…
US Treasury sanctions key Sinaloa Cartel networks for facilitating fentanyl trafficking and laundering drug proceeds through cryptocurrencies, front companies, and cross-border cash networks
The measures target two interconnected networks accused of converting bulk U.S. drug cash into cryptocurrency for transfer to cartel leaders in Mexico, alongside laundering operations involving shell businesses, security firms, restaurants, and money brokers. Treasury also highlights the expanding role of digital assets and cross-border financial facilitators in cartel operations, warning that foreign financial institutions engaging in significant transactions for designated persons may face secondary sanctions exposure…
Europol and EU JHA agencies report coordinated action supporting Ukraine through sanctions enforcement, border security, anti-trafficking efforts, and investigations into global crimes
The paper outlines joint contributions by nine EU Justice and Home Affairs agencies, including analytical support, operational deployments, training, cyber and border security assistance, and coordination with Ukrainian authorities and frontline EU Member States. Agencies also support implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive, enforcement of EU sanctions, and investigations into war crimes and organised crime risks linked to displacement and exploitation arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine…
OFAC’s “Economic Fury” sanctions 50+ Iran-linked entities and vessels, targeting shadow banking and oil networks to cut off illicit funding for weapons and sanctions evasion
The measures focus particularly on Amin Exchange and its network of entities across the UAE, Türkiye, Hong Kong, and China accused of facilitating hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions for sanctioned Iranian banks, petrochemical companies, and oil exporters. Treasury also designates 19 vessels and numerous maritime companies involved in transporting Iranian petroleum products through deceptive shipping practices, while warning financial institutions about sanctions risks linked to shadow banking, offshore structures, and high-risk oil trade activity…
OFAC targets Hamas-linked operatives and allied networks accused of using humanitarian flotillas and global channels to facilitate financing and coordination of terrorist activity
The measures target individuals associated with the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad and related organisations that Treasury alleges coordinate international campaigns, fundraising, and support activity linked to Hamas. Treasury also highlights Hamas’ reliance on global facilitation networks spanning charities, political organisations, and financial intermediaries to move funds, expand influence, and circumvent counter-terrorist financing measures…
Council of the EU extends sanctions on Syria’s former al-Assad regime until 1 June 2027, while removing seven entities, including the Defence and Interior Ministries, from its sanctions list
The measures continue to target individuals and organisations associated with repression, human rights violations, and support for the former Syrian regime, including restrictions on financing, trade, and asset access. The Council also de-lists certain economic entities considered relevant to reconstruction and humanitarian recovery efforts, reflecting a more differentiated sanctions approach tied to evolving political and economic conditions in Syria…
OFSI marks 10 years as an intelligence-led sanctions authority, strengthening global enforcement and partnerships while tackling rising risks from evasion, digital assets, and geopolitical instability
It emphasises OFSI’s strengthened enforcement and licensing capabilities, closer collaboration with international partners and the private sector, and increased focus on intelligence-led, data-driven supervision. The post also looks ahead to the future, stressing the importance of adapting sanctions frameworks to emerging risks such as sanctions evasion…