Sanctions

Crypto / Digital Assets

Russia Advances Bill to Enable Cross-border Payments in Crypto

By Editors | 01/08/2024

The law is expected to take effect on 1 September, formally allowing the use of crypto in payments for international trade transactions.

Sanctions

Austria’s Raiffeisen Working to Sell 60pc of Russian Unit

By Editors | 31/07/2024

Raiffeisen is trying to coordinate with Russian, European and US authorities to sell a 60% stake in its Russian unit.

Sanctions

OFAC Targets Iran Weapons Programmes With New Sanctions

By Editors | 31/07/2024

The sanctions cover two procurement networks that help Iran obtain components for weapons systems, including Hong Kong and China-based targets.

Enforcement

UK Secures First Forfeiture from Sanctions Evasion Case

By Editors | 30/07/2024

Around $1mn was forfeited after being frozen since 2022. The funds were held by the wife of Petr Aven, a sanctioned Russian oilgarch.

AML / KYC

US Treasury Launches Amazon Initiative to Combat Nature Crimes

By Nithya Subramanian | 30/07/2024

The initiative will enable authorities in Amazon Basin countries to pursue money laundering investigations against illicit actors involved in nature crimes.

AML / KYC

A Whole New World for the Financial Action Task Force?

By Fatima Alsancak | 29/07/2024

With the next round of country assessments starting, the new FATF President has a lot of work to do over the next two years.

Sanctions

RUSI Publishes Findings from 1st Meeting of New Sanctions Taskforce

By Manesh Samtani | 29/07/2024

The taskforce participants identified several deficiencies that undermine the effectiveness of UK sanctions and “require government attention”.

Sanctions

EU Disburses First Funds Generated from Frozen Russian Assets

By Editors | 27/07/2024

The €1.5bn instalment will be used to support Ukraine, in line with an EU-wide agreement on how profits generated from frozen Russian central bank assets can be used.

Enforcement

OFAC Fines State Street for Sanctions Violations by Subsidiary

By Editors | 27/07/2024

Charles River Systems, acquired by State Street in 2018, redated and reissued invoices for Sberbank and VTB Bank subsidiaries to circumvent sanctions restrictions.