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OFSI publishes blog post on staying compliant with financial sanctions in the maritime sector

The blog provides guidance on how to stay compliant with sanctions in the maritime sector: verify the identity of customers, partners, and third party intermediaries, and consider all layers of ownership and control; implement robust compliance policies, conduct ongoing training and awareness programmes and procedures, and invest in technology and screening tools…

OFSI issues new General Licence for the wind down of transactions involving two Turkish shipping companies under the Russia Regulations

OFSI issued General Licence INT/2024/4576632 authorising certain activities relating to two Turkish shipping companies, “Active Denizcilik” and “Beks Ships”, which are each UK asset freeze targets…

UK Govt adds two individuals and one entity to the UK sanctions list under the Cyber regime

The sanctioned organisation, Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company Ltd, is believed to be operating on behalf of the Chinese Ministry of State Security, acting in support of malicious cyber activity that targeted UK officials, government entities and parliamentarians…

OFSI publishes survey on threats to financial sanctions compliance

OFSI released a survey to gather industry perspectives and invite users to contribute to efforts in strengthening financial sanctions compliance. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is open until April 12, 2024, at 5pm.

OFSI issues General Licence INT/2024/4576632 under Regulation 64 of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019

Relates to Active Denizcilik and Beks Ships and allows for Transit to Port and Wind Down.

OFSI publishes blog on 2024 Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories Sanctions Forum

The CDs and OTs play a vital role in implementing and enforcing UK sanctions and countering circumvention in partnership with UK authorities. This collaborative effort helps to ensure that the UK sanctions regime is robust and that our measures have their intended impact…

OFSI announces sanctions against persons linked to Hamas-supporting media network

The UK Government has announced a full asset freeze against two individuals suspected of providing financial support for Gaza Now – a news agency that promotes the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist groups.

OFAC and OFSI sanctions Hamas-aligned terrorist fundraising network

OFAC designated two individuals and three entities as key financial facilitators involved in fundraising for Hamas. In the wake of the Oct 7, 2023 terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas against Israel, Gaza Now engaged in fundraising efforts to support Hamas. Gaza Now and its founder Mustafa Ayash, as well Al-Qureshi Executives and Aakhirah Limited, and their director Aozma Sultana…

OFSI refreshes its guidance for the maritime sector covering new tactics used by illicit actors to evade UK financial sanctions

The maritime shipping industry is crucial for global trade and growth, linking countries and economies worldwide. However, because of its global reach, it faces unique challenges with financial sanctions. To help businesses navigate these complexities and ensure compliance, OFSI has released updated guidance tailored for the maritime sector…

ICIJ: London property tied to Putin ally remains untouched by sanctions

The UK failed to freeze a property purchased by an offshore shell company tied to Kremlin insider Igor Komarov. UK land registry and the Pandora Papers reveal the now trust-controlled company still owns the asset, bought for over $16.5 million in 2007…

FCDO publishes strategy on UK government’s approach to using sanctions to address global threats, promote international norms and protect the UK

This strategy explains how sanctions can be used as a foreign and security policy tool and the continued investment, partnerships and structures that support sanctions.

FCDO imposes fresh sanctions on Myanmar military

Covers 2 Myanmar military divisions responsible for carrying out serious human rights violations and 2 state-owned enterprises which provide economic resources and support to the Myanmar security forces.