Monthly Archives: March 2024

The US sanctioned Nicaragua’s Attorney General

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The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on Wendy Carolina Morales Urbina, Nicaragua’s Attorney General.

In 2018, anti-government protests erupted in Nicaragua, prompting ongoing violent repression by the President Ortega. On February 9, 2023, President Ortega expelled 222 political prisoners and put them on a flight to Washington, D.C.

Wendy Carolina Morales Urbina is a Nicaragua’s Attorney General. She wass appointed to the role of Attorney General of the Republic of Nicaragua on May 10, 2019, by President Ortega. She is responsible for enabling the Ortega-Murillo regime to steal real property formerly belonging to independent media outlets, international organizations, and political prisoners.

“The United States reiterates its enduring support for the Nicaraguan people, who continue to bravely reject the authoritarianism of President Ortega and his inner circle” m and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson

Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terroris

The following individual has been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • MORALES URBINA, Wendy Carolina. Managua, Nicaragua; DOB 28 May 1980; POB Nicaragua; nationality Nicaragua; citizen Nicaragua; Gender Female; National ID No. 001-280580-0021Y (Nicaragua).

The US has sanctioned Russian media pretenders

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The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) revealed two Russian individuals, Ilya Gambashidze and Nikolai Tupikin, along with two  of their entities, which founded a network of media outlets pretending to be independent news sources.

This network had over 60 websites that imitated legitimate news organizations, and which used misleading social media accounts to amplify the content of the spoofed websites.

“We are committed to exposing Russia’s extensive campaigns of government-directed deception, which are intended to mislead voters and undermine trust in democratic institutions in the United States and around the world”

Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson

Ilya Gambashidze is a well-known Russian political strategist who has worked with members of the State Duma and various political parties. In 2022, the newspaper Newizv included him in its ranking of the best political strategists, placing him 19th in the list.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • GAMBASHIDZE, Ilya Andreevich (Cyrillic: ГАМБАШИДЗЕ, Илья Андреевич). 17, Bld 3, Kuusinena Str, Apt 70, Moscow 125252, Russia; DOB 07 May 1977; POB Kyiv, Ukraine; nationality Russia; citizen Russia; Gender Male; Passport 756410352 (Russia); National ID No. 4522912438 (Russia); Tax ID No. 771401746465 (Russia).
  • TUPIKIN, Nikolai Aleksandrovich (Cyrillic: ТУПИКИН, Николай Александрович). Raspletina, Dom 17, Korpus 2, Kv. 7, Moscow 123060, Russia; DOB 06 Jun 1977; POB Moscow, Russia; nationality Russia; citizen Russia; Gender Male; Passport 727760853 (Russia); National ID No. 4503851519 (Russia); Registration ID 319774600345330 (Russia); Tax ID No. 773402066160.

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • SOCIAL DESIGN AGENCY (Cyrillic: АГЕНТСТВО СОЦИАЛЬНОГО ПРОЕКТИРОВАНИЯ). Solviny Pr, 18A, Fl 2, Pom I K 9A O 1, Moscow 117593, Russia; Pr-kt novoyasenevskii, d. 32, k. 1, pomeshch 1/1, Moscow 117463, Russia; Bolshoy Kislovsky, per 1, building 2, Moscow, Russia; Bol’shaya Nikiskaya Ulitsa, 12cl, Moscow 125009, Russia; Website sp-agency.ru; Organization Established Date 05 Dec 2017; Tax ID No. 7728390408 (Russia).
  • COMPANY GROUP STRUCTURA LLC (a.k.a. GK STRUKTURA (Cyrillic: ГК СТРУКТУРА). Per. Bolshoi Kislovskii, d. 1, str. 2, Pomeshch/Kom I/42, Moscow 125009, Russia; Website structura.pro; Organization Established Date 12 Dec 2017; Tax ID No. 7703438908 (Russia).

Procurement Network from Germany and Turkey supported Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

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The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) revealed a Procurement Network that helped to buy goods for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force Self Sufficiency Jihad Organization.

This network has members from Germany, Iran, Turkiye and Oman.

“The United States will continue to use our tools to disrupt these networks and hold accountable those countries that would help proliferate Iran’s drones and missiles.”

Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • GOK, Mahmut, Istanbul, Turkey; DOB 29 Apr 1976; nationality Turkey; Additional Sanctions Information – Subject to Secondary Sanctions; Gender Male; Passport U07107567 (Turkey) expires 01 Apr 2023.
    INANLU, Mitra (Arabic: میترا اینانلو), Iran; DOB 23 Sep 1977; nationality Iran; Gender Female; National ID No. 0059643390 (Iran).
  • KANOGLU, Hidayet, Rize, Turkey; DOB 30 Jan 1973; POB Ankara, Turkey; nationality Turkey; Gender Male.
    KARIMI, Maziar, Koln, Germany; DOB 23 Sep 1973; nationality Iran; alt. nationality Germany; Gender Male; National ID No. 1755530048 (Iran).
  • SHAHMARI GHOJEH BIKLO, Rostam (Arabic: رستم شهماری قوجه بیکلو), Tehran, Iran; DOB 28 Dec 1967; nationality Iran; Gender Male; National ID No. 1620885115 (Iran).

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • ALBORZ ORGANIC MATERIAL ENGINEERING COMPANY (Arabic: شرکت مهندسی مواد آلی البرز), Karaj, Iran; Organization Established Date 07 Oct 2014; National ID No. 14004448175 (Iran); Commercial Registry Number 27389 (Iran).
  • DM GOLD KIYMETLI MADENLER ANONIM SIRKETI, Molla Fenari Mah. Iskender, Bogazi SK. No: 3/322, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey; Organization Established Date 14 Dec 2022; Chamber of Commerce Number 1422340 (Turkey); Registration Number 428703-5 (Turkey); Central Registration System Number 0302-1277-4740-0001 (Turkey).
  • GOKLER DIS TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI, Molla Fenari MH Iskender Bogazi SK., Centilmen H.N: 3/322, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey; Sultan Selim MH Eski, Buyukdere Cad No: 61/2, Synergie Plaza, Kagithane, Istanbul, Turkey; Website www.goklergroup.com; Organization Established Date 05 Jul 2021; Chamber of Commerce Number 1307423 (Turkey); Registration Number 317308-5 (Turkey); Central Registration System Number 0396-1370-8340-0001 (Turkey).
  • KLAS KIMYASAL URUNLER TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI, Molla Fenari Mah. Carsikapa Cad. Centilmen, Han No: 20 IC Kapi No: 96, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey; Registration Number 100889-8 (Turkey).
  • MAHMUT GOK SKIES PETROLEUM DIS TICARET, Esentepe MH. Keskin, Kalem SK., No: 17/2, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey; Organization Established Date 29 Jan 2019; Chamber of Commerce Number 1167239 (Turkey); Registration Number 177454-5 (Turkey).
  • MAZAYA ALARDH ALDHABIA LLC, Al Uqdah, Muscat, Oman; Al Buraimi P.O. Box 280/512, Oman; Organization Established Date 22 Jan 2019; Registration Number 1335894 (Oman).
  • MAZIXON GMBH AND CO KG, Jesuitengasse 73, Koln 50735, Germany; Merkenicher Haupt Str. 96, Koln 50769, Germany; Organization Established Date 23 Jun 2020; V.A.T. Number DE338075769 (Germany); Registration Number 50670A34770 (Germany).
  • MAZIXON VERWALTUNGS GMBH, Jesuitengasse 73, Koln 50735, Germany; Organization Established Date 28 Apr 2020; Registration Number 50670B102044 (Germany).
  • PISHRO MOBTAKER PEYVAND (Arabic: پیشرو مبتکر پیوند), Tehran, Iran; Organization Established Date 21 Aug 2002; National ID No. 10102328283 (Iran); Commercial Registry Number 190858 (Iran); Chamber of Commerce Number 132255 (Iran).
  • TIT ULUSLARARASI NAKLIYAT DERI TEKSTIL GIDA SANAYI VE TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI, No. 12 Ataturk Mah. Sulun Cad., Istanbul 34750, Turkey; Organization Established Date 13 Jan 2005; Chamber of Commerce Number 490835 (Turkey); Registration Number 543253 (Turkey).

The European General Court lifted sanctions on Russian ex-F1 driver

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The Court of Justice of the European Union has annulled the acts that maintained Russian former Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin on sanctions lists.

In 2021, Nikita Mazepin drove for the Haas F1 team. Meanwhile, his father, Dmitry Mazepin, was the major sponsor through companies with which he was linked, of his son’s F1 racing activities. 

Dmitry Mazepin was an owner and CEO of Uralchem. Established in 2007, Uralchem is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of nitrogen, potash and complex fertilisers. In Russia, the Company is the biggest domestic producer and supplier of ammonium nitrate and potash.

Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Mazepin / Photo: kremlin.ru

In March 2022, sold a controlling stake (52%) of his holding and resigned as the CEO of Uralchem JSC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.

Also in March 2022, Dmitry Mazepin sold a controlling stake (52%) from his holding and resigned from the position of the CEO of Uralchem JSC (which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company).

Dmitry Mazepin / Photo: kremlin.ru

“The association between Mr Nikita Mazepin and his father is in no way established from an economic or capital perspective or by the existence of common interests linking them at the time when the maintaining acts were adopted“. – stressed the Court of Justice.

https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2024-03/cp240049en.pdf

Armenian banks are preparing to ban Russian Mir cards

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The Central Bank of Armenia has published a statement about the future of Russian Mir cards in the country.

“The Central Bank receives many requests regarding the operation of the Mir payment system in Armenia, and we inform you that commercial banks of the Republic of Armenia” independently decide which payment systems to cooperate with based on their risk management strategy, including those related to sanctions. With regard to customer service, commercial banks are obliged to inform their customers properly in case of changes in their terms of service.“ – the bank stressed.

In February 2024 the U.S. imposed sanctions on the Russian National Payment Card System, which operates the Mir payment service. Later, Russian newspapers reported that Armenian banks were preparing to work without the Mir system.

National Payment Card System Joint Stock Company (NSPK) was founded on July 23, 2014, and 100% of its shares belong to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.

NSPK has produced more than 139 million Mir cards.

The US bans Western Balkan Officials

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The U.S. Department of State has imposed sanctions on former North Macedonia Special Chief Prosecutor, Katica Janeva; current mayor of Karpos, North Macedonia, Stevco Jakimovski; and former mayor of Kacanik, Kosovo, Xhabir Zharku.

According to the US Department of State, Stevco Jakimovski was involved in corrupt acts, including using his official position to interfere with urban development. Katica Janeva was involved in corrupt acts, including using her political influence and official power for personal benefit.

Xhabir Zharku Zharku was involved in corrupt acts, including using his position to interfere with procurement processes to unlawfully permit construction on property owned by the municipality, to benefit himself and his associates.

These Western Balkan politicians and their immediate families are generally ineligible to enter the US.

The EU wants to strengthen sanctions on Russia

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“The EU is working on further sanctions in response to the death of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Under the EU instrument against human rights violations, sanctions are to be imposed on more than 30 people connected to his death. Germany had been calling for this and submitted a list of proposed individuals in Brussels.“ – said on Monday Annalena Baerbock, the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader, died suddenly last month while serving a 19-year sentence in an Arctic prison. His funeral was held in Moscow on March 1, 2023

After Navalny’s death the UK and Canada sanctioned individuals heading up the penal colony where Navalny died.

The US Department of State imposed sanctions on three Israeli individuals and two entities

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The US Department of State decided to increase sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

The sanctions were imposed due to the actions of these individuals and organizations that undermined peace, security, and stability in the West Bank, according to the US Department.

These individuals and entities were sanctioned:

  • Neriya Ben Pazi. He has expelled Palestinian shepherds from hundreds of acres of land.
  • Zvi Bar Yosef. According to the statement he engaged in repeated violence and attempts to engage in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
  • Zvis farm was established by and is owned by Zvi Bar Yosef. The farm uses as a base from which he perpetrates violence against Palestinians.
  • Moshe Shavrit. He attacked Palestinian civilians and Israeli human rights defenders in the vicinity of Moshes farm.
  • Moshes farm was founded by Moshe Shavrit in 2021.

Belarus bans imports from Lithuania

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus has published a government statement banning imports from Lithuania.

Since March 14, it has been illegal to import food, construction products, and household appliances into Belarus. In addition, the government has also banned the movement of certain goods imported for sale in Belarus, including used clothing, spare parts for vehicles, tires, alcoholic beverages, and other goods.

At the same time, the Lithuanian parliament approved a resolution urging the European Parliament and Council of the EU to immediately ban grain imports from Russia and Belarus into the EU, and, if necessary, to use agricultural products provided by Ukraine.

The US has imposed sanctions on three individuals linked to the Republika Srpska President

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The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed personal sanctions on three individuals, who are linked to Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srspka.

These sanctioned individuals assisted with organizing “Republika Srpska Day” (RS Day) on January 9, 2024.
RS Day was recognized by the Bosnia and Herzogovina Constitutional Court as illegal because it prioritizes “the religious heritage, tradition, and customs of only the Serb people” and thus violates the constitutional obligation of non-discrimination.

Milorad Dodik often visited Russia. In February, 2024 he had a meeting with the Russian president Vladimir Putin. Dodik claimed that Republika Srpska is under the western protectorate.

“In these circumstances, we are attempting to discourage the possibility of imposing sanctions against Russia.” – stated Milorad Dodik.

Milorad Dodik and Vladimir Putin / Photo: kremlin.ru

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • Srebrenka Golic. She is is the current Chair of the People’s Council of the RS. DOB 29 Jul 1958; nationality Bosnia and Herzegovina; Gender Female.
  • Branislav Okuka. Okuka was originally a part of an informal group of influential advisors to Dodik who had nationalist Serb and pro-Russia sympathies. DOB 07 Jan 1967; nationality Bosnia and Herzegovina; citizen Bosnia and Herzegovina; Gender Male; Passport B2721680 (Bosnia and Herzegovina) expires 21 Oct 2030.
  • Jelena Pajic Bastinac. She serves as Secretary General for the President of the RS. DOB 01 Dec 1982; POB Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina; nationality Bosnia and Herzegovina; Gender Female; Passport B1606358 (Bosnia and Herzegovina) expires 11 Jul 2027.