On February 21, 2022, in response to Russia’s recognition of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) regions of Ukraine as “independent states,” President Biden issued Executive Order (EO) 14065 prohibiting certain transactions with respect to the DNR or LNR or such other regions of Ukraine (collectively, “Covered Regions”) as may
OFAC Issues Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Sanctions Regulations
On February 16, 2022, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published in the Federal Register a final rule adding formal regulations to implement previously announced sanctions regarding Chinese Military-Industrial Complex companies. These formal regulations are the result of a November 12, 2020, Executive Order (EO) 13959 issued by former President…
OFAC Removes Burundi Sanctions Regulations
Effective February 11, 2022, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) will remove the from the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) the Burundi Sanctions Regulations at 31 C.F.R. Chapter 31, Part 554. This removal results from an earlier action by President Joseph Biden in issuing Executive Order 14054 which terminated the…
OFAC Offers Guidance for the Provision of Humanitarian Assistance in Afghanistan
On February 2, 2022, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) “designed to provide clarity” and further facilitate humanitarian aid and commercial activity in Afghanistan. These FAQs supplement and support the December 2021 Fact Sheet, Provision of Humanitarian Assistance to Afghanistan and Support for the…
OFAC Extends Two Ukraine-Related General Licenses Involving GAZ Group
The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced its extension of two general licenses related to GAZ Group, Ukraine-related General License No. 13Q, “Authorizing Certain Transactions Necessary to Divest or Transfer Debt, Equity, or Other Holdings in GAZ Group” and Ukraine-related General License No. 15K, “Authorizing Certain Activities…
President Biden Issues Executive Order Imposing Sanctions Regarding the Global Illicit Drug Trade
On December 15, 2021, President Joseph Biden signed “Executive Order on Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade,” an order finding that “the trafficking into the United States of illicit drugs, including fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, is causing the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans annually,…
OFAC Sanctions Several Entities and Individuals for Serious Human Rights Abuses
On December 10, 2021, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 15 individuals and 10 entities in several countries for their connection to human rights abuse and repression. In addition, OFAC imposed investment restrictions on one Chinese company in connection with the surveillance technology sector
In China, OFAC has placed…
OFAC Sanctions Individuals for Corruption Related to COVID-19 Procurement
On December 9, 2021, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions on two individuals for corruption involving procurement during the pandemic. The Department of the Treasury stated that “Corruption involving procurement of life-saving medical supplies represents a profound betrayal of public trust and a waste of critically needed resources.” Government officials in El…
OFAC Expands Sanctions Against Belarus Through Additional Designations and Issuance of Directive 1
On December 2, 2021, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the expansion of sanctions against Belarus in response to the Lukashenka regime’s continued “disregard for international norms.” The actions taken by OFAC pursuant to Executive Orders 14038 and 13405 include 35 new designations to the Specially Designated Nationals and…
OFAC Again Extends Venezuela General License to Continue Authorization of Limited Transactions Involving PdVSA and Winding Down of Operations for Certain Entities
On November 24, 2021, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Venezuela-related General License 8I, “Authorizing Transactions Involving Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) Necessary for the Limited Maintenance of Essential Operations in Venezuela or the Wind Down of Operations in Venezuela for Certain Entities.” This general license continues to…
