INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS JULY 2023

2023-08-03 International Sanctions Newsletters

International sanctions have become a popular foreign policy instrument in an increasingly multipolarised world. Once limited to a few cases, they are now extremely widespread. There is growing evidence that international sanctions are a problem rather than a solution for achieving a peaceful international order. The main causes are the overuse of sanctions and their increasing use as an instrument of power. They have become a key element in the geopolitics of the international chessboard. Their abusive use has led to an increase in their negative side-effects.

We believe it is important to keep a register of legal and natural persons sanctioned by the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United States of America. If your business has an international component, this may be of concern to you, as it affects not only the sanctioned countries and individuals, but also those who do business with them in some way.

I. EUROPEAN UNION

LIBYA

On 11 July 2023, Council Regulation (EU) 2023/1443 amending Regulation (EU)2016/44 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Libya was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. This amendment changes Article 22a and removes EUNAVFOR MED IRINI from the Common Military List of the Union.

SYRIA

On 14 July 2023, Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1503 amending Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The decision is extended until 24 February 2024.
On 14 July 2023, Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1467 amending Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. One (1) natural person is added to the list in Annex I.

RESTRICTIVE MEASURES AGAINST SERIOUS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AND ABUSES

On 20 July 2023, Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1500 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 concerning restrictive measures against serious violations and abuses of human rights was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Twelve (12) natural persons and five (5) entities are added to the list in Annex I to that Decision.

RUSSIA

On 20 July 2023, Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1501 of 20 July 2023 amending Decision 2014/154/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Five (5) natural persons are added to Annex I.
On 20 July 2023, Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1517 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures motivated by destabilising actions by Russia in Ukraine was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Decision is extended until 31 January 2024.

IRAN

On 20 July 2023, Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine was published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

MYANMAR/BURMA

On 20 July 2023, Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1502 amending Decision 2013/184/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Six (6) natural persons and one (1) entity are added to Annex I.

LEBANON

On 20 July 2023, Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1519 amending Decision (CFSP) 2021/1277 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Libya was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The decision is extended until 31 July 2024.

II. UNITED STATES

BALCANES

On 07 July 2023 and pursuant to Executive Order (E.O) BALKANS-EO14033 one person has been added to the sanctions list.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned an individual in Serbia pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14033. The designation of Aleksandar Vulin (Vulin) underscores the United States’ determination to hold accountable those who engage in corrupt businesses that advance their own political agendas and personal interests at the expense of peace and stability in the Western Balkans. These corrupt businesses facilitate Russia’s malign activities in Serbia and the region.

ANTI-NARCOTICS

On 07 July 2023 and pursuant to Executive Order (E.O) ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059 ten (10) natural persons and one (1) entity have been added to the sanctions list.

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 10 individuals, including several members and fugitives of the Sinaloa Cartel, as well as a Mexico-based entity, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059. The individuals sanctioned today are linked to precursor chemical suppliers based in Sinaloa, Mexico and to the Ludim brothers and Luis Alfonso Zamudio Lerma and ultimately operate under the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. Responsible for a significant portion of the illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs trafficked into the United States, the Sinaloa Cartel is one of the most powerful and pervasive drug trafficking organisations in the world.

RUSSIA

On 19 May 2023, by virtue of Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, eighteen (18) ninety-five (95) legal persons have been included in the list of sanctioned persons.

The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated seven prominent members of a group of individuals linked to Russian intelligence services for their role in the Russian Federation government’s intentions to influence Moldova. An entity owned or controlled by one of these individuals has also been designated.

The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking steps to further implement the commitments made by G7 leaders on 24 February 2023 and 19 May 2023. The designations announced today by OFAC and the State Department take steps to inhibit Russia’s access to products that support its military and war efforts; reduce Russia’s revenues from the metals and mining sector; undermine its future energy capabilities; degrade Russia’s access to the international financial system; and deprive Russia of G7-produced technology needed for its technology, aerospace and defence sectors.

COUNTER-TERRORISM

On 08 June 2023, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O) 13224, as amended by (E.O) 13886, one (1) natural person has been placed on the sanctions list.

VENEZUELA

As of 28 July 2023, pursuant to the North Korea Sanctions Regulations, one (1) legal person has been removed from the sanctions list.

III. UNITED KINGDOM

MYANMAR/BURMA

As of 5 July 2023, the British Government under the Myanmar Sanctions Regime has made one (1) revocation of the sanctions list.

IRAN

As of 6 July 2023, the British Government under the Iran (Human Rights) Sanction Regime has made thirteen (13) designations from the Sanctions List.

SYRIA

As of 11 July 2023, the British Government under the Syria Sanction Regime has made thirteen (1) revocations from the sanctions list.

ISLAMIC STATE (DA’ESH) AND AL QAEDA

On 25 July 2023 the British Government under the ISL (DA’ESH) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Regime added two (2) individuals to the sanctioned lists.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

On 19 June 2023, the UK Government, under the CAR Sanctions Regime, placed seven (7) individuals on the sanctions list and made two additional designations under the Syria Sanctions Regime.

RUSSIA

On 06 July 2023 the UK Government, under the Regime: Russia (Sanctions) (Eu Exit) Regulations 2019 has revoked one (1) natural person
On 17 July 2023 the UK Government, under the Regime: Russia (Sanctions) (Eu Exit) Regulations 2019, added fourteen (14) individuals to the sanctions list.
On 31 July 2023 the UK Government, under the Regime: Russia (Sanctions) (Eu Exit) Regulations 2019, has added six (6) individuals to the sanctions list.