Sanctions

• Russia Issues New Authority to Suspend Voting Rights of Some International Investors in Major Russian Companies

  02/14/2023

  The Russian government continues to take measures to curtail the rights of investors from or connected to “unfriendly jurisdictions” (i.e., countries that have introduced sanctions on Russia and Russian persons) (“Western Investors”) without definitively expropriating their assets.

• Russia’s State Duma Introduces Draft Law to Counter U.S. Sanctions

  04.16/Alert

  Lawmakers in State Duma—a lower house of the Russian Federal Assembly—have introduced legislation to counter recent U.S. sanctions, setting out a broad menu of prohibitions, from import and services restrictions to individual bans.

• Treasury Department Designates Russian Oligarchs, Officials, and Entities

  04.09/Blog

  The Treasury Department's April 6 placement of several prominent Russian individuals and companies on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons lists promises to be more commercially disruptive for western companies than most past listings.

• Status of the Iran Nuclear Deal and New Sanctions Designations

  01.12/Blog

  In a statement, President Trump warned European allies that unless they fix these four flaws in the Iran nuclear deal, the U.S. intends to withdraw from it. 

• U.S. Targets Human Rights Abusers and Corrupt Actors Worldwide – Key Takeaways from the Potent New Sanctions

  01.10/Blog

  Executive Order 13818 authorizes the imposition of sanctions on individuals worldwide connected with “serious human rights abuse,” corruption, or “the transfer or the facilitation of the transfer of the proceeds of corruption.” Here is what businesses need to know.

• CBP Takes Measures to Enforce Ban on Imports Made with Forced Labor and Sanctions for Forced North Korean Labor in Supply Chains

  12.04/Blog

  With a renewed focus on enforcing its ban on imports of forced labor, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has taken new measures so importers don't run afoul.

• Evolving U.S. and UN Sanctions Against North Korea

  11.13/Blog

  The U.S. and UN have imposed a number of sanctions on North Korea since the middle of 2017. Here is a summary of all the key pronouncements.

• U.S. Government Agencies Publish Changes to Cuba Sanctions Program Pursuant to President Trump’s Policy Announcement

  11.08/Blog

  The U.S. government has announced a number of changes to its sanctions program in Cuba, adjusting some of the broader reforms initiated during the previous administration.

• Russia Sanctions Under CAATSA – U.S. Updates Rules and Provides Guidance on Enforcement

  11.03/Blog

  U.S. efforts to advance sections of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act of 2017 (CAATSA) will impact the implementation and enforcement of Russia-related sanctions.

• Another Market Opens: U.S. Revokes Sudanese Sanctions Program Though Important Limitations Remain in Place

  10.26/Blog

  The U.S. government has revoked sanctions regulations in recognition of Sudan’s sustained positive actions in stopping conflict and improving humanitarian access. However, since Sudan remains designated as a “State Sponsor of Terrorism,” key restrictions remain and companies must continue to abide by applicable anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws.

• New Executive Order Imposes Further Sanctions on Venezuela

  08.25/Blog

  On August 25, President Trump issued an Executive Order providing for sanctions against the Government of Venezuela targeting certain long-term financial transactions, similar to existing sanctions on the Russian petroleum sector. The Order does not restrict imports or exports of oil, and the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued several general licenses that provide for specific permitted activities.

• Three Birds with One Stone: New Russia, North Korea and Iran Sanctions

  08.11/Blog

  On August 2, 2017, President Trump signed into law the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), strengthening U.S. sanctions on Russia, North Korea and Iran. The new sanctions could have far-reaching implications for companies and investors, although it remains unclear how vigorously they sanctions will be implemented, particularly for Russia.

• OFAC Updates FAQs on the Cuba Sanctions Program

  08.03/Blog

  On July 25, 2017, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) updated its Cuba FAQs to address upcoming changes to Cuba sanctions rules as they relate to pre-existing contracts, licenses, and travel arrangements. The new OFAC guidance addresses upcoming changes to its Cuba sanctions as they relate to pre-existing contracts, licenses, and travel arrangements.

• A Message to China? New U.S. Sanctions and AML Measures for North Korea

  06.30/Blog

  In June 2017, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions designations and anti-money laundering measures against Chinese entities engaged in business with North Korea. The actions may be intended to send a political message.