Monday, June 5
OFSI amended its General License INT/2022/1552576, related to the London Court of International Arbitration Arbitration Costs, by adding the definition of a DP so that it includes any individual or body of persons owned or controlled by those designated persons as determined under the criteria set out in the Russia Regulations or the Belarus Regulations, among other changes. (Here)
OFAC imposed asset-freezing sanctions on seven individuals and one entity for their role in the government of the Russian Federation’s destabilization campaign and continued malign influence campaigns in Moldova, under the U.S. sanctions program against Russia. (Here, the Department of the Treasury's press release, and the Department of State's press release)
France imposed asset-freezing sanctions against two individuals under its autonomous counter-terrorism sanctions program. (Here)
The EU Council imposed asset-freezing sanctions against nine individuals in Russia, under its global human rights sanctions regime, for sentencing the Russian opposition politician, Vladimir Kara-Murza, to 25 years in prison on politically motivated charges. (Decision, and press release)
Tuesday, June 6
OFSI amended its General License INT/2022/2349952, related to transactions related to agricultural commodities including the provision of insurance and other services by providing further clarification including the addition of a definition for the Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA). Furthermore, the amended version explicitly allows insurance providers to provide professional indemnity insurance services to GAFTA in connection with direct and indirect services related to agriculture commodities. (Here)
OFAC imposed asset-freezing sanctions on six individuals and six entities in connection with Iran’s ballistic missile program under its Iran sanctions program. (Here, and the Department of the Treasury's press release)
OFAC imposed asset-freezing sanctions on two senior members of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) engaged in trafficking high-caliber firearms from the United States and fuel theft in Mexico; and, another individual and one Mexican entity that provide support to CJNG by laundering illicit narcotics proceeds. (Here, and the Department of the Treasury's press release)
The EU Council amended two designation grounds under its Russia sanctions regime to include "immediate family members, or other natural persons, benefitting from [certain Russian businesspersons]." (Decision)
Wednesday, June 7
The U.S. Department of State imposed asset-freezing sanctions against two ISIS leaders under the U.S. Global Counter-Terrorism sanctions program. (Here, and the Department of State's press release)
Canada imposed asset-freezing sanctions against several individuals and entities in Russia under the Canadian sanctions regime against Russia. (Here)
Thursday, June 8
The UK's government expanded its sanctions against Belarus by taking the following measures: (press release, updated Belarus guidance, and the new legislation)
Changes to designation criteria. This will allow the UK's government to more effectively target those persons that are involved in supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Amendments to dealing with transferable securities or money market instruments measure.
New measures relating to internet services and online media.
The prohibition of exports of machinery; banknotes; and precursor materials for chemical and biological weapons and technology.
The prohibition of imports of cement, rubber, wood, and gold; and
A ban on ancillary services for all prohibited goods, including technical assistance and financial and brokering services.
Friday, June 9
The U.S. Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, and the Treasury issued a "Guidance to Industry on Iran’s UAV-Related Activities." (The Department of State's press release, and the Department of Justice's press release)
BIS issued a Temporary Denial Order (TDO) suspending the export privileges of the Aratos Group, a network of defense-related companies in the Netherlands and Greece, and its president, which allegedly acted as a procurement agent for Russian intelligence services. (Press release, the Order)
Recommendation of the Week
RUSI published a paper called "Developing Bad Habits What Russia Might Learn from Iran’s Sanctions Evasion." The paper examines the question of how Western governments, notably in Europe, and their private sectors could strengthen their sanctions implementation and enforcement strategies in light of potential changes in Russia’s financial activity.
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