Monday, February 5
The Department of State implemented a new policy to impose visa restriction - type of sanction- on individuals involved in the misuse of commercial spyware under the authority granted in Section 212 (a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. (Department of State press release)
Tuesday, February 6
There was no major development on this date.
Wednesday, February 7
OFAC imposed asset-freezing sanctions against one individual and one entity for their involvement in drug trafficking and gang related violence in Ecuador. (Here, Department of Treasury press release)
The United States Department of Justice Disruptive Technology Strike Force announced charges against three individuals for transferring sensitive technology, goods and information for the benefit of foreign adversaries, Iran and China, in two separate cases. (Department of Justice press release)
The Department of Treasury published the 2024 National Risk Assessments on money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. (Money Laundering Risk Assessment, National Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment, National Proliferation Financing Risk Assessment)
In an impactful move, FinCEN issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to increase transparency in the real estate market and to combat money laundering. (Here, FinCEN press release)
The EU Commission issued four FAQs to clarify the scope of software-related prohibitions under Art. 5n(2b) of Council Regulations 833/2014. (Here)
Thursday, February 8
On a busy day on the OFAC sanctions front, OFAC:
Imposed asset-freezing sanctions on four entities and identified one vessel as blocked property for their involvement in violations of the Russian oil-price cap.(Here,Department of Treasury press release, Department of State press release)
Issued two determinations pursuant to the authority granted in to Executive Order 14068 prohibiting the importation of certain categories of diamonds mined in Russia in line with other G7 members. (Determination related to 1(a)(i)(A), Determination pursuant to 1(a)(i)(B))
Issued a Russia-related General license authorizing transactions related to two recently-sanctioned vessels, SCF MGMT FZCO and NS Leader Shipping Incorporated valid through May 8, 2024. (General License 87)
Friday, February 9
France imposed asset-freezing sanctions against three individuals under France autonomous counter-terrorism sanctions program. (Here)
Recommendation for the week
For this week I would like to suggest K2 Integrity’s 2023 Sanctions Year Review. You can request a copy of it here: 2023 in Review: An Eventful Year in Sanctions and Enforcement
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