Mr. Sanctions

Category: Designations

  • Last call for questions for OFSI/FCDO Webinar

    Final Call for Questions: Moving to a single list for UK sanctions designations – WebinarOn 17 December, FCDO and OFSI will be holding a webinar on the move to a single list for UK sanctions designations. In this webinar we will be discussing the change taking place on the 28 January 2026, an explanation of what improvements are being made to the UK Sanctions List and its search tool and steps to take to ensure you are prepared.

    Webinar:
    Wednesday 17 December
    11:00 – 12:00

    OnlinePre-submitted questions: if you wish to submit a question in advance, please email ofsiengagement@hmtreasury.gov.uk by 09:00 on Monday 15 December 2025.
    Register Here

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  • Yesterday’s OFAC update… now with designation updates

    The prompt is a work in progress, but I’m getting there…

    Counter Narcotics Designations; Venezuela-related Designations; Non-Proliferation Designation Updates

    Treasury Press Release:

    Treasury Targets Illegitimate Maduro Regime Insiders and Sanctions Evaders in Venezuela’s Oil Sector

    Specially Designated Nationals List Update

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

    [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059]

    Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade

    CAMPO FLORES, Efrain Antonio

    • Address: Caracas, Venezuela
    • DOB: 25 Aug 1986
    • POB: Valencia, Venezuela
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • Gender: Male
    • Cedula No.: 18330183 (Venezuela)
    • Passport: 081303148 (Venezuela) expires 28 Nov 2018 (individual)

    Efrain Antonio Campo Flores is the nephew of Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro, the wife of Nicolas Maduro. Known as one of the “narco-nephews,” he was arrested in Haiti in November 2015 while finalizing a deal to smuggle cocaine into the United States. He was convicted in U.S. federal court but was granted clemency by President Biden in October 2022. According to the Treasury, since his return to Venezuela, he has resumed illicit drug trafficking activities.

    FLORES DE FREITAS, Franqui Francisco

    • Address: Caracas, Venezuela
    • DOB: 14 Aug 1985
    • POB: Caracas, Venezuela
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • Gender: Male
    • Cedula No.: 17751244 (Venezuela)
    • Passport: 066981222 (Venezuela) expires 24 Jan 2018 (individual)

    Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas is the nephew of Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro. He was arrested alongside his cousin, Efrain Antonio Campo Flores, in Haiti in 2015 for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. Following his conviction and subsequent clemency grant by President Biden in October 2022, he returned to Venezuela where, according to the Treasury, he continues to engage in narcotics trafficking.

    [VENEZUELA-EO13850]

    Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela

    CARRETERO NAPOLITANO, Ramon

    • Address: Panama City, Panama
    • DOB: 08 May 1965
    • POB: Colon, Panama
    • Nationality: Panama
    • Gender: Male
    • Cedula No.: 388114 (Panama)
    • Passport: 1874513 (Panama) expires 28 Mar 2017 (individual)

    Ramon Carretero Napolitano is a Panamanian businessman designated for operating in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy. He has secured contracts with the Government of Venezuela and maintains business ties with the Maduro-Flores family, including partnering with them in various companies. He is accused of facilitating the shipment of petroleum products for the regime.

    [VENEZUELA]

    Venezuela Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 591

    MALPICA FLORES, Carlos Erik

    • Address: Naguanagua, Carabobo, Venezuela
    • DOB: 17 Sep 1972
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • Gender: Male
    • Cedula No.: 11810943 (Venezuela) (individual)

    Carlos Erik Malpica Flores is the nephew of Cilia Flores and previously served as the National Treasurer of Venezuela and Vice President of Finance for PDVSA. He was originally designated by OFAC in July 2017 but was delisted in 2022 to encourage political negotiations in Mexico City. Treasury has redesignated him for being an official of the Government of Venezuela.

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

    [VENEZUELA-EO13850]

    Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela

    ARCTIC VOYAGER INCORPORATED

    AKAs: ARCTIC VOYAGER INC

    • Address: Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date: 08 Nov 2024
    • Identification Number: IMO 0109600
    • Business Registration Number: 128742 (Marshall Islands)

    Arctic Voyager Incorporated is the registered owner of the vessel KIARA M. The Treasury reports that this vessel loaded oil in Venezuela in September and October 2025 for transport to Asia.

    FULL HAPPY LIMITED

    • Address: Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date: 03 Mar 2023
    • Identification Number: IMO 6405624
    • Business Registration Number: 118736 (Marshall Islands)

    Full Happy Limited is the registered owner and commercial manager of the vessel MONIQUE. The vessel reportedly loaded and transported Venezuelan oil to Asia in late May 2025.

    MYRA MARINE LIMITED

    • Address: Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date: 24 Sep 2024
    • Identification Number: IMO 0088934
    • Business Registration Number: 128049 (Marshall Islands)

    Myra Marine Limited is the registered owner and commercial manager of the vessel WHITE CRANE. The vessel loaded oil in Venezuela as recently as October 2025 and utilized deceptive practices, such as obscuring its location, to hide its activities.

    POWEROY INVESTMENT LIMITED

    AKAs: POWEROY INVESTMENT LTD

    • Address: Virgin Islands, British
    • Identification Number: IMO 6438512

    Poweroy Investment Limited is the registered owner of the vessel H. CONSTANCE. The vessel reportedly loaded Venezuelan oil in October 2025 and manipulated its location transmissions.

    READY GREAT LIMITED

    • Address: Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date: 06 Jul 2023
    • Identification Number: IMO 0017035
    • Business Registration Number: 120806 (Marshall Islands)

    Ready Great Limited is the registered owner of the vessel LATTAFA. The vessel is accused of making multiple shipments of Venezuelan oil to Asia throughout 2025 while using deceptive tracking practices.

    SINO MARINE SERVICES LIMITED

    AKAs: SINO MARINE SERVICES LTD

    • Address: 14, Wells View Drive, Bromley, Kent BR2 9UL, United Kingdom
    • Organization Established Date: 01 Jan 2016
    • Identification Number: IMO 5967460
    • Company Number: 10214578 (United Kingdom)

    Sino Marine Services Limited is the ship manager and operator of the vessel TAMIA. The vessel reportedly loaded and transported Venezuelan oil to Asia in June 2025 while manipulating its location transmissions.

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

    [VENEZUELA-EO13850]

    Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela

    H. CONSTANCE

    • Type: Crude Oil Tanker
    • Flag: Panama
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2002
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9237773
    • MMSI: 352002009 (vessel)Linked to: POWEROY INVESTMENT LIMITED

    The H. CONSTANCE is a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker identified for loading Venezuelan oil in October 2025 and manipulating its transmissions to hide its location.

    KIARA M

    • Type: Crude Oil Tanker
    • Flag: Panama
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2004
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9285823
    • MMSI: 352002348 (vessel)Linked to: ARCTIC VOYAGER INCORPORATED

    The KIARA M is a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker that loaded oil in Venezuela in September and October 2025, destined for Asia.

    LATTAFA

    • Type: Crude Oil Tanker
    • Flag: Panama
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2003
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9245794 (vessel)Linked to: READY GREAT LIMITED

    The LATTAFA is a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker accused of transporting multiple shipments of Venezuelan oil to Asia in 2025 while obfuscating its movements.

    MONIQUE

    • Type: Crude Oil Tanker
    • Flag: Cook Islands
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2005
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9311270
    • MMSI: 518999141 (vessel)Linked to: FULL HAPPY LIMITED

    The MONIQUE is a Cook Islands-flagged crude oil tanker that loaded and transported Venezuelan oil to Asia in late May 2025.

    TAMIA

    • Type: Crude Oil Tanker
    • Flag: Hong Kong
    • Other Vessel Flag: China
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2006
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9315642
    • MMSI: 477186300 (vessel)Linked to: SINO MARINE SERVICES LIMITED

    The TAMIA is a Hong Kong-flagged crude oil tanker that loaded and transported Venezuelan oil to Asia in June 2025, using deceptive practices to hide its location.

    WHITE CRANE

    • Type: Crude Oil Tanker
    • Flag: Panama
    • Vessel Year of Build: 2007
    • Vessel Registration Identification: IMO 9323429
    • MMSI: 352003199 (vessel)Linked to: MYRA MARINE LIMITED

    The WHITE CRANE is a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker that loaded oil in Venezuela in October 2025 and employed deceptive practices, such as failing to transmit its location, to hide its activities.

    The following changes have been made to OFAC’s SDN List:

    [NPWMD]

    Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 544

    [IFSR]

    Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 561

    ADVANCED INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY CENTER

    AKAs: ADVANCED INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE; AICTC; AICT

    • Address: No. 5, Golestan Alley, Shahid Ghasemi St., Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
    • Website: www.aictc.ir
    • Additional Sanctions Information: – Subject to Secondary Sanctions

    List of Changes:

    Field Name: a.k.a.

    Changed: “a.k.a. AICTC” to: “a.k.a. ADVANCED INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE; a.k.a. AICTC; a.k.a. “AICT””

    RAHIMIAN, Pezhman

    AKAs: RAHIMIAN, Pejman

    • Address: Iran
    • DOB: 29 Aug 1977
    • POB: Esfahan, Esfahan Province, Iran
    • Nationality: Iran
    • Additional Sanctions Information: – Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Gender: Male
    • National ID No.: 1285917855 (Iran) (individual)Linked to: ATOMIC ENERGY ORGANIZATION OF IRAN

    List of Changes:

    Field Name: DOB

    Added: 29 Aug 1977

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  • December 11, 2025: Counter Narcotics Designations; Venezuela-related Designations; Non-Proliferation Designation Updates

    The following are the additions made from Counter Narcotics Designations; Venezuela-related Designations; Non-Proliferation Designation Updates (I have to find my prompt for updates) – and here is the Treasury Press Release “Treasury Targets Illegitimate Maduro Regime Insiders and Sanctions Evaders in Venezuela’s Oil Sector”

    Individuals

    [VENEZUELA-EO14059]

    • Definition: Executive Order 14059 of December 15, 2021, “Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade”.

    CAMPO FLORES, Efrain Antonio

    • Aliases: a.k.a. “Campo”; a.k.a. “Efraín Campo”; a.k.a. “Efraín Flores”
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • DOB: [Approx. 1986]
    • Gender: Male
    • Type: Individual

    Supplemental Information: Efrain Antonio Campo Flores is the nephew of Cilia Flores, the wife of Nicolas Maduro. Known as one of the “Narco Nephews,” he was arrested in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in November 2015 during a DEA sting operation while finalizing a deal to transport 800 kilograms of cocaine to the United States. He was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on narcotics trafficking charges in November 2016 and sentenced to 18 years in prison. In October 2022, he was granted clemency by President Joe Biden in a prisoner exchange for seven Americans detained in Venezuela. The Treasury Department states that since his return to Venezuela, he has continued his involvement in illicit drug trafficking activities.

    FLORES DE FREITAS, Franqui Francisco

    • Aliases: a.k.a. “Flores de Freitas”; a.k.a. “Franqui Flores”
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • DOB: [Approx. 1985]
    • Gender: Male
    • Type: Individual

    Supplemental Information: Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas is the nephew of Cilia Flores and cousin of Efrain Antonio Campo Flores. He was arrested alongside his cousin in Haiti in November 2015 for conspiring to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. and was convicted in New York in 2016, receiving an 18-year prison sentence. Like his cousin, he was granted clemency in October 2022 as part of a prisoner swap. The Treasury Department has designated him for continuing to engage in activities that contribute to the international proliferation of illicit drugs.

    [VENEZUELA-EO13692]

    • Definition: Executive Order 13692 of March 8, 2015, “Blocking Property and Suspending Entry of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela”.

    MALPICA FLORES, Carlos Erik

    • Aliases: a.k.a. “Malpica”; a.k.a. “Malpica Flores, Carlos”
    • Address: Naguanagua, Carabobo, Venezuela
    • DOB: 17 Sep 1972
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • Cedula No.: 11810943
    • Gender: Male
    • Type: Individual

    Supplemental Information: Carlos Erik Malpica Flores is another nephew of Cilia Flores. He formerly served as the National Treasurer of Venezuela and as the Vice President of Finance for the state-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA). He was previously designated by OFAC in July 2017 but was removed from the sanctions list in June 2022 by the Biden administration in an effort to encourage negotiations between the Maduro regime and the opposition. The Treasury Department has re-designated him for being a current or former official of the Government of Venezuela, citing the regime’s refusal to recognize democratic values.

    [VENEZUELA-EO13850]

    • Definition: Executive Order 13850 of November 1, 2018, “Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela”.

    CARRETERO NAPOLITANO, Ramon

    • Aliases: a.k.a. “Carretero”
    • Nationality: Panama
    • DOB: 26 Nov 1990
    • POB: Ciudad de Panama, Panama
    • Gender: Male
    • Type: Individual

    Supplemental Information: Ramon Carretero Napolitano is a Panamanian businessman and former professional cyclist. He competed in the 2014 Giro d’Italia but was suspended from the sport in 2015 after testing positive for EPO. In the business world, he is accused of engaging in lucrative contracts with the Maduro regime and facilitating shipments of petroleum products on behalf of the Venezuelan government. He has partnered in several companies with the Maduro-Flores family. In September 2025, he reportedly survived a plane crash in Maiquetía, Venezuela, aboard a private jet (YV3440) linked to his business dealings.

    Entities

    [VENEZUELA-EO13850]

    • Definition: Executive Order 13850 of November 1, 2018, “Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela”.

    ARCTIC VOYAGER INCORPORATED

    • Address: Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Marshall Islands
    • Type: Entity
    • Linked To: KIARA M

    Supplemental Information: A Marshall Islands-registered company that is the registered owner of the Panama-flagged vessel Kiara M. The vessel loaded oil in Venezuela in September and October 2025 and transported it to Asia.

    FULL HAPPY LIMITED

    • Address: Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Marshall Islands
    • Type: Entity
    • Linked To: MONIQUE

    Supplemental Information: A Marshall Islands-registered company that owns and manages the Cook Islands-flagged vessel Monique. The vessel loaded and transported Venezuelan oil to Asia in May 2025.

    MYRA MARINE LIMITED

    • Address: Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Marshall Islands
    • Type: Entity
    • Linked To: WHITE CRANE

    Supplemental Information: A Marshall Islands-registered company that owns and manages the vessel White Crane. The vessel loaded oil in Venezuela as recently as October 2025 and has used deceptive shipping practices, such as manipulating its location transmissions.

    POWEROY INVESTMENT LIMITED

    • Address: Tortola, Virgin Islands, British
    • Type: Entity
    • Linked To: H. CONSTANCE

    Supplemental Information: A British Virgin Islands-registered company that owns the Panama-flagged vessel H. Constance. The vessel loaded Venezuelan oil in October 2025 and has repeatedly manipulated its AIS transmissions to hide its location.

    READY GREAT LIMITED

    • Address: Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Marshall Islands
    • Type: Entity
    • Linked To: LATTAFA

    Supplemental Information: A Marshall Islands-registered company that owns the Panama-flagged vessel Lattafa. The vessel has made multiple shipments of Venezuelan oil to Asia throughout 2025 and has engaged in location obfuscation.

    SINO MARINE SERVICES LIMITED

    • Address: London, United Kingdom
    • Type: Entity
    • Linked To: TAMIA

    Supplemental Information: A UK-registered company that manages and operates the Hong Kong-flagged vessel Tamia. The vessel loaded and transported Venezuelan oil to Asia in June 2025 and has manipulated its transmissions to hide its activities.

    Vessels

    [VENEZUELA-EO13850]

    • Definition: Executive Order 13850 of November 1, 2018, “Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Venezuela”.

    H. CONSTANCE

    • IMO: 9237773
    • Flag: Panama
    • Type: Vessel
    • Linked To: POWEROY INVESTMENT LIMITED

    Supplemental Information: An oil tanker identified as blocked property for transporting Venezuelan oil.

    KIARA M

    • IMO: 9285823
    • Flag: Panama
    • Type: Vessel
    • Linked To: ARCTIC VOYAGER INCORPORATED

    Supplemental Information: An oil tanker identified as blocked property for transporting Venezuelan oil.

    LATTAFA

    • IMO: 9245794
    • Flag: Panama
    • Type: Vessel
    • Linked To: READY GREAT LIMITED

    Supplemental Information: An oil tanker identified as blocked property for transporting Venezuelan oil.

    MONIQUE

    • IMO: 9311270
    • Flag: Cook Islands
    • Type: Vessel
    • Linked To: FULL HAPPY LIMITED

    Supplemental Information: An oil tanker identified as blocked property for transporting Venezuelan oil.

    TAMIA

    • IMO: 9315642
    • Flag: Hong Kong
    • Type: Vessel
    • Linked To: SINO MARINE SERVICES LIMITED

    Supplemental Information: An oil tanker identified as blocked property for transporting Venezuelan oil.

    WHITE CRANE

    • IMO: 9323429
    • Flag: Marshall Islands
    • Type: Vessel
    • Linked To: MYRA MARINE LIMITED

    Supplemental Information: An oil tanker identified as blocked property for transporting Venezuelan oil.

    The video below discusses the recent plane crash involving Ramon Carretero Napolitano, highlighting the “web of corruption” connecting him to the Maduro regime, which makes it relevant context for his designation.

    ACCIDENT IN VENEZUELA UNCOVERS CORRUPTION NETWORK

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  • FINTRAC Notice about new terror designations

    Government of Canada lists four new terrorist entities

    Further to Public Safety Canada’s news release today, December 10, 2025, this message serves as a reminder that businesses subject to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) must report completed or attempted financial transactions to FINTRAC when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the transaction is related to a money laundering, terrorist financing or sanctions evasion offence.

    Additionally, businesses subject to the PCMLTFA must update their processes to include these newly listed entities, review any past transactions and consider the need to submit terrorist property reports as required.

    Public Safety Canada’s news release: Government of Canada lists four new terrorist entities – Canada.ca

    Public Safety Canada’s news release:

    Government of Canada lists four new terrorist entities

    From: Public Safety Canada

    News release

    December 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario

    The Government of Canada is taking action to counter terrorism and violent extremism, in particular the radicalization of young people online, by adding four new organizations to the Criminal Code list of terrorist entities. These measures help protect Canadians and communities from intimidation, hate, and acts of violent extremism and terrorism.

    Today, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, announced the addition of the following groups: 764, Maniac Murder Cult, Terrorgram Collective, and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS, also known as Daesh) affiliate Islamic State-Mozambique.

    Under Canada’s Criminal Code, these organizations are now legally defined as “terrorist groups”. This gives Canadian law enforcement and security agencies stronger tools to prevent and disrupt terrorist activity. Key implications include:

    • All property owned by these groups in Canada must be frozen and reported to CSIS or the RCMP.
    • It is a criminal offence for anyone in Canada and Canadians abroad to knowingly deal with property belonging to a listed terrorist group.
    • Providing property or financial services that benefit these groups is also prohibited.
    • Immigration and border officials can use this listing to inform decisions on admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

    764, Maniac Murder Cult and Terrorgram Collective are transnational ideologically motivated violent extremist (IMVE) networks. They use social media and online gaming platforms to recruit and radicalize individuals, spread propaganda and violent extremist narratives, and incite violence both online and offline. Canada is the first country to list 764 as a terrorist entity, taking a leadership position in combatting the significant threat of IMVE and fighting against emerging terrorist trends. Listing these groups helps Canada protect the safety and security of Canadians, including children and vulnerable populations, against terrorism and violent extremism.

    Islamic State-Mozambique (IS-M) is an official ISIS branch. It is an armed insurgent group based in Mozambique seeking to replace the governing authority with Sharia-based governance by seizing territory, infiltrating civilian populations and security forces, and committing violent acts of terrorism.

    Listing these entities will help Canadian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in combatting their crimes and terrorist activities, and make our communities safer.

    Quotes

    “The threat posed by ideologically motivated violent extremism, whether it is in the real world or online, is extremely serious. The groups we have just listed prey upon people who are at-risk, especially our youth, and they must be stopped. By listing these groups, we have more powerful and effective tools to take action and thwart their efforts to incite violence and promote hate.”

    – The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

    Quick facts

    • With these additions, there are now 90 terrorist entities listed under the Criminal Code.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Simon Lafortune
    Deputy Director of Communications and Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
    Minister of Public Safety
    Simon.Lafortune@ps-sp.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Public Safety Canada
    613-991-0657
    media@ps-sp.gc.ca

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  • Follow the leader: OFSI also removes Munir Al Qubaysi from Iraq sanctions

    Based on the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) Financial Sanctions Notice for Iraq, dated 10/12/2025, there is one section of Delistings.

    Individual

    • AL QUBAYSI, Munir
    • Group ID: 8278
    • Name (non-Latin script): منير القبيسي
    • DOB: –/–/1966.
    • POB: Heet, Iraq
    • Good quality a.k.a: (1) AL-KUBAISI, Muneer (2) AL-KUBAYSI, Munir (3) AWAD, Munir (4) AWAD, Munir, A, Mamduh.
    • Nationality: Iraq
    • Address: Syria.
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): IRQ0135. (UN Ref): IQi.074.
    • Listed on: 05/05/2004
    • UK Sanctions List Date Designated: 26/04/2004
    • Last Updated: 10/12/2025

    Supplemental Information:

    • Munir Al Qubaysi was removed from the UN Security Council’s 1518 Sanctions List (Iraq) on December 9, 2025, which precipitated his removal from the UK list on December 10, 2025.
    • He was originally listed by the UN on April 26, 2004, under the reference number IQi.074.
    • The UN listing linked him to the entity Al-Huda State Company for Religious Tourism (Entity reference IQe.204).
    • Al-Huda State Company for Religious Tourism was identified as a commercial front for the Iraqi Intelligence Service under the former regime, allegedly used to skim funds from tourism packages for Iranian pilgrims.
    • He has been designated under various aliases including Munir Awad and Munir Mamduh Awad.
    • He remains listed on the US OFAC Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list under the program IRAQ2 as of the latest available search data, with the same identifying details (POB: Heet, Iraq; DOB: 1966).

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  • UN 1518 Sanctions Committee removes 1 person from Iraq sanctions

    Note: I do not have a prompt yet to reformat UN designations. Given the inconsistency of the format (note how the “a.k.a.” after “Low quality” isn’t bolded like the one after “Good quality”), I may not.

    SC/16240

    9 December 2025

    Security Council 1518 Sanctions Committee Removes One Entry from Its Sanctions List

    On 9 December 2025, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1518 (2003) removed the following entry from its Sanctions List of individuals and entities.

    A. Individuals

    IQi.074 Name: 1: MUNIR 2: AL QUBAYSI 3: na 4: na
    Name (original script): منير القبيسي
    Title: na Designation: na DOB: 1966 POB: Heet, Iraq Good quality a.k.a.: a) Munir Al-Kubaysi b)Muneer Al-Kubaisi c) Munir Awad d) Munir A Mamduh. Awad Low quality a.k.a.: na Nationality: Iraq Passport no: na National identification no: na Address: Syrian Arab Republic Listed on: 26 Apr. 2004 Other information:  No link available

    Press releases concerning changes to the Committee’s Sanctions List may be found in the “Press Releases” section on the Committee’s website at the following URL:  https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/1518/press-releases.

    The updated version of the Committee’s Sanctions List, available in HTML, PDF and XML format, may be found at the following URL:  https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/1518/materials.

    The United Nations Security Council Consolidated List is also updated following all changes made to the Committee’s Sanctions List and is accessible at the following URL:  https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/un-sc-consolidated-list.

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  • December 9, 2025: OFAC Sudan-related Designations; Russia-related Designations Removals

    Treasury Press Release: Treasury Sanctions Transnational Network Recruiting Colombians to Fight in Sudan’s Civil War

    From today’s OFAC release:

    The additions to the Sudan program:

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

    [SUDAN-EO14098] – Executive Order 14098 (Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition)

    • DUQUE BOTERO, Mateo Andres
      • Address: Calle 77 9 76 APT 302, Bogota, Colombia
      • DOB: 07 Apr 1975
      • POB: Bogota, Colombia
      • Nationality: Colombia
      • Alt. Nationality: Spain
      • Gender: Male
      • Cedula No.: 79782423 (Colombia)
      • Passport: AS272175 (Colombia) expires 31 Mar 2026
      • Alt. Passport: XDD789846 (Spain)
      • Alt. Passport: BF868819 (Colombia) expires 01 Mar 2035
      • Type: Individual
      • Linked To: MAINE GLOBAL CORP S.A.S.
      Supplemental Information:According to the Treasury Department, Mateo Andres Duque Botero (“Duque”) manages Maine Global Corp S.A.S., a Bogotá-based employment agency. He is a dual Colombian-Spanish national who holds positions as shareholder, president, or director in firms across Colombia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Public records from the UK Companies House indicate a “Mateo Andres Duque Botero” was appointed director of Zeuz Global Ltd in July 2025. Duque allegedly utilized his U.S.-based firms to process payroll payments for Colombian fighters in Sudan and served as a foreign exchange intermediary to convert curre1ncies for the network.
    • MUNOZ UCROS, Monica (a.k.a. MUÑOZ UCROS, Monica)
      • Address: Calle 77 9 76 APT 302, Bogota, Colombia
      • DOB: 14 Jun 1976
      • POB: Bogota, Colombia
      • Nationality: Colombia
      • Gender: Female
      • Cedula No.: 52413003 (Colombia)
      • Passport: AX032470 (Colombia) expires 11 Mar 2031
      • Type: Individual
      • Linked To: MAINE GLOBAL CORP S.A.S.
      Supplemental Information:Monica Munoz Ucros serves as the alternate manager of Maine Global Corp S.A.S. and manages Comercializadora San Bendito S.A.S. The Treasury states she facilitated wire transfers between Duque Botero and U.S. companies to support the recruitment network.
    • OLIVEROS FORERO, Claudia Viviana
      • Address: Bogota, Colombia
      • DOB: 02 Jan 1973
      • POB: Bogota, Colombia
      • Nationality: Colombia
      • Gender: Female
      • Cedula No.: 52252815 (Colombia)
      • Passport: AZ321704 (Colombia) expires 20 Jul 2032
      • Type: Individual
      • Linked To: INTERNATIONAL SERVICES AGENCY S.A.S.
      Supplemental Information:Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero (“Oliveros”) is the owner and manager of International Services Agency S.A.S. (A4SI), the central recruiting node for the network. She is the wife of Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra. She previously served as president and treasurer of the Panama-based Talent Bridge, S.A. (formerly Global Staffing S.A.), maintaining affiliation to obfuscate the network’s activities.
    • QUIJANO BECERRA, Alvaro Andres
      • Address: Bogota, Colombia
      • Address: United Arab Emirates
      • DOB: 18 Jul 1967
      • POB: Bogota, Colombia
      • Nationality: Colombia
      • Alt. Nationality: Italy
      • Gender: Male
      • Cedula No.: 80413253 (Colombia)
      • Passport: AP628498 (Colombia)
      • Alt. Passport: YB7731256 (Italy) expires 01 Mar 2031
      • Type: Individual
      Supplemental Information:Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra (“Quijano”) is a retired Colombian military officer and dual Colombian-Italian national based in the UAE. Treasury identifies him as the central figure recruiting former Colombian military personnel for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. He co-founded A4SI. Public reports, including from The Sentry, allege Quijano is a former associate of the Norte del Valle Cartel. He reportedly utilizes his UAE connections to facilitate the deployment of mercenaries.

    The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:2

    [SUDAN-EO14098] – Executive Order 14098 (Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition)3

    • COMERCIALIZADORA SAN BENDITO S.A.S.4
      • Address: Bogota, Colombia5
      • NIT #: 9011008200 (Colo6mbia)
      • Matricula Mercantil No: 02846256 (Colombia)
      • Linked To: MUNOZ UCROS, Monica
      Supplemental Information:Managed by Monica Munoz Ucros, this Bogotá-based entity allegedly engaged in wire transfers with U.S. companies associated with the network to move funds related to the recruitment of fighters.
    • INTERNATIONAL SERVICES AGENCY S.A.S. (a.k.a. “A4SI”; a.k.a. “ACADEMY FOR SECURITY INSTRUCTION S.A.S.”)
      • Address: Avenida Carrera 19 No. 97-31 Of. 603, Bogota, Colombia
      • Website: https://a4si.com.co
      • NIT #: 9010625922 (Colombia)
      • Matricula Mercantil No: 02792522 (Colombia)
      Supplemental Information:A4SI is an employment agency co-founded by Quijano and owned/managed by Oliveros. It is identified as the primary node for recruiting Colombian mercenaries for the war in Sudan, using its website and social media to fill positions for snipers and drone operators. The company describes itself on its website as a “transnational private employment management and placement agency.”
    • MAINE GLOBAL CORP S.A.S.
      • Address: Bogota, Colombia
      • Website: https://maineglobal.net
      • NIT #: 9018645322 (Colombia)
      • Matricula Mercantil No: 03863364 (Colombia)
      • Linked To: TALENT BRIDGE, S.A.
      Supplemental Information:Managed by Mateo Andres Duque Botero, this entity manages and disburses funds for the recruitment network. It reportedly processes payroll for fighters and acts as a foreign exchange intermediary.
    • TALENT BRIDGE, S.A. (a.k.a. GLOBAL STAFFING S.A.)
      • Address: Calle 54 Barrio PH Twist Tower, 28th Floor, Office F, Panama City, Panama
      • Website: https://globalstaffingsa.com/
      • RUC #: 155722003-2-2022 (Panama)
      • Linked To: INTERNATIONAL SERVICES AGENCY S.A.S.
      Supplemental Information:Formerly known as Global Staffing S.A., this Panama-based entity is used by A4SI to sign contracts and receive funds, thereby minimizing legal exposure and obscuring links to the RSF. Its website is reportedly identical to that of A4SI.

    And the removals from Russian sanctions:

    The following deletions have been made to OFAC’s SDN List:

    [RUSSIA-EO14024]

    • [RUSSIA-EO14024] Russia Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions: Russia Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 587; Executive Order 14024, “Blocking Property With Respect To Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation.”

    ASTRAKHAN, Kirill Aleksandrovich (a.k.a. ASTRAKHAN, Kirill (Cyrillic: АСТРАХАНЬ, Кирилл)), Moscow, Russia; DOB 17 Nov 1987; POB Donetsk, Ukraine; nationality Russia; Gender Male; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Passport 721242410 (Russia) (individual)

    ASTRAKHAN, Kirill (Cyrillic: АСТРАХАНЬ, Кирилл) (a.k.a. ASTRAKHAN, Kirill Aleksandrovich), Moscow, Russia; DOB 17 Nov 1987; POB Donetsk, Ukraine; nationality Russia; Gender Male; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Passport 721242410 (Russia) (individual)

    SOBOLEV, Nikita Aleksandrovich, Malta; DOB 07 Jun 1986; nationality Russia; Gender Male; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Passport 550193782 (Russia); National ID No. 238667A (Malta) (individual) (Linked To: MALBERG LIMITED)

    —

    , ,

  • December 9, 2025: OFSI’s Russia designations

    Based on the OFSI “Notice_Russia_091225” issued on December 9, 2025, here are the re-formatted listings for the individual additions, followed by supplemental information.

    Individuals

    1. MIKHAIL SERGEEVICH ZVINCHUK

    • Group ID: 17242
    • DOB: 19/07/1991123
    • POB: Vladivostok, Russia456
    • Nationality: Russia789
    • National Identification Number: INN: 253716334825101112
    • Address: Block B, 86 Nizhegorodskaya Street, Nizhegorodsky Municipal District, Moscow, Russia, 109052131415
    • Position: Director General of RYBAR LLC161718
    • Other Information: (UK19 Sanctions List Ref): RUS3156. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust service20s. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 2109/12/2025. (UK Statement of Reasons): Mikhail Sergeevich ZVINCHUK is an “involved person” under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on the basis of the following ground: ZVINCHUK is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine by working as a director or equivalent of an entity, RYBAR LLC, which is or has been inv22olved in des23tabilising Ukraine.
    • Listed on: 09/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 09/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 09/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Mikhail Zvinchuk is a former Russian military press officer and the creator of the prominent pro-Kremlin Telegram channel “Rybar” (which has over 1.3 million subscribers). Rybar is accused of operating as a “private intelligence company” and a propaganda outlet, receiving funding from Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec. Zvinchuk has admitted to receiving taskings from Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Internet Research Agency in the past. He is also a member of a Russian government working group on mobilization.

    2. ALEKSANDR GELJEVITJ DUGIN2425

    • Group ID: 172432627
    • DOB: 07/01/19622829
    • POB: Moscow, Russia3031
    • Nationality: Russia3233
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3157. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 3409/12/203525. (UK Statement of Reasons): Aleksandr Geljevitj DUGIN is an “involved person” under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on the basis36 of the following ground: DUGIN is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine by being responsible for, engaging i37n, providing support for, or pro38moting any policy or action which destabilises Ukraine or undermines or threatens the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine.
    • Gender: Male
    • Listed on: 09/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 09/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 09/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Aleksandr Dugin is a prominent Russian ultranationalist philosopher and political theorist, often referred to as “Putin’s Brain” (though his actual influence on the Kremlin is debated). He advocates for “Eurasianism” and has long called for the absorption of Ukraine into Russia. His daughter, Darya Dugina, was killed in a car bombing in 2022. He heads the “Center for Geopolitical Expertise,” which was also sanctioned in this update. He has previously been sanctioned by the US (in 2015) and the EU (in 2014/2022).

    Based on the OFSI “Notice_Russia_091225” issued on December 9, 2025, here are the re-formatted listings for the entityadditions, followed by supplemental information.

    Entities

    1. FOUNDATION FOR THE SUPPORT AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF COMPATRIOTS LIVING ABROAD

    • Group ID: 17239
    • a.k.a: PRAVFOND
    • Address: Russia
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3153. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 09/12/2025. (UK Statement of Reasons): The Secretary of State considers there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the FOUNDATION FOR THE SUPPORT AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF COMPATRIOTS LIVING ABROAD (hereafter PRAVFOND) is an “involved person” under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on the basis that it is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine.
    • Listed on: 09/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 09/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 09/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Officially presented as a “legal aid” organization for Russians abroad, Pravfond has been exposed by investigations (including by The Insider and Der Spiegel) as a front for Russian intelligence agencies (FSB and GRU). It is accused of funding defense lawyers for convicted Russian spies (such as Vadim Krasikov) and financing propaganda operations in Europe.

    2. GOLOS

    • Group ID: 17240
    • Address: Avenue Ariane 5, Brussels, Belgium, 1200
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3154. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 09/12/2025. (UK Statement of Reasons): The Secretary of State considers there are reasonable grounds to suspect that GOLOS is an “involved person” under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on the basis that it is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine by being responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or promoting the commission, planning or preparation of relevant cyber activity or propaganda.
    • Listed on: 09/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 09/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 09/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Golos is a Brussels-based media entity linked to Pravfond. It is part of a network accused of disseminating Kremlin narratives and disinformation within the European Union, hiding its connections to the Russian state.

    3. EUROMORE

    • Group ID: 17241
    • Address: Avenue Ariane 5, Brussels, Belgium, 1200
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3155. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 09/12/2025. (Phone number): +32 (2) 781-03-01 (Website): Euromore.eu (Email address): News@euromore.eu
    • Listed on: 09/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 09/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 09/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Euromore is a “news” portal based in Brussels that shares an address with Golos. It receives funding from Pravfond and is accused of acting as a front for Russian intelligence to spread anti-Ukraine propaganda and disinformation to European audiences under the guise of independent journalism.

    4. RYBAR LLC

    • Group ID: 17244
    • Name (non-Latin script): ООО “РЫБАРЬ”
    • Address: Block B, 86 Nizhegorodskaya Street, Nizhegorodsky Municipal District, Moscow, Russia, 109052
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3158. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 09/12/2025. (UK Statement of Reasons): RYBAR LLC is an “involved person” under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on the basis that it is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine by engaging in, providing support for, or promoting actions which destabilise Ukraine or undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine.
    • Listed on: 09/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 09/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 09/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Rybar LLC is the corporate entity behind the influential pro-war Telegram channel “Rybar.” It functions as a “private intelligence company,” publishing open-source intelligence (OSINT) and targeting coordinates that have been used by Russian military forces. It is also accused of running “Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference” (FIMI) campaigns, including attempts to interfere in Western elections (such as the “Taganrog” project).

    5. CENTER FOR GEOPOLITICAL EXPERTISE

    • Group ID: 17245
    • a.k.a: CGE
    • Address: Dinamovskaya Ulitsa, 1A, Moscow, Russia, 109044
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3159. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 09/12/2025. (Business Reg No): INN: 7703259850. (UK Statement of Reasons): CENTER FOR GEOPOLITICAL EXPERTISE (CGE) is an “involved person” under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on the basis that it is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine by being responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or promoting any policy or action which destabilises Ukraine.
    • Listed on: 09/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 09/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 09/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: The Center for Geopolitical Expertise is a think tank founded and led by Aleksandr Dugin. It is a key node in the Russian “Storm-1516” disinformation network, which produces fake news sites and content designed to undermine Western support for Ukraine. It is closely linked to Russian intelligence services.

    —

    ,

  • December 9, 2025: OFSI Cyber designations

    From the OFSI Notice:

    Based on the OFSI “Notice_Cyber_041225” and the Annex details, here are the re-formatted listings for the additions, followed by supplemental information.

    Individuals

    1. BORIS ALEKSEYEVICH ANTONOV

    • Group ID: 17227
    • Name (non-Latin script): Борис Алексеевич АНТОНОВ
    • Nationality: Russia
    • Address: Russia
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): CYB0104. (UK Statement of Reasons): The Secretary of State considers that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that as part of Unit 26165, Boris ANTONOV has been involved in relevant cyber activity in that he was responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or promoting the commission, planning or preparation of relevant cyber activity. Such activity that Boris ANTONOV has been involved in undermines, or is intended to undermine, the integrity, prosperity or security of the United Kingdom or a country other than the United Kingdom.
    • Gender: Male
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Boris Antonov is a Major in the Russian GRU’s Unit 26165 (85th Main Special Service Center). He was indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury in July 2018 (the “Netyksho” indictment) for his role in the conspiracy to interfere with the 2016 U.S. presidential election, specifically involving the hacking of the DNC and DCCC. The FBI lists his Date of Birth as December 19, 1980.

    2. ANATOLIY VLADIMIROVICH ISTOMIN

    • Group ID: 17228
    • Name (non-Latin script): Анатолий Владимирович ИСТОМИН
    • Nationality: Russia
    • Address: Russia
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): CYB0105. (UK Statement of Reasons): The Secretary of State considers that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that as part of Unit 26165, Anatoliy ISTOMIN has been involved in relevant cyber activity in that he was responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or promoting the commission, planning or preparation of relevant cyber activity. Such activity that Anatoliy Vladimirovich ISTOMIN has been involved in undermines, or is intended to undermine, the integrity, prosperity or security of the United Kingdom or a country other than the United Kingdom.
    • Gender: Male
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Anatoliy Istomin is identified as an officer in GRU Unit 26165, the unit responsible for military cyber operations including the 2016 U.S. election interference and attacks on the OPCW.

    3. IGOR ANDREYEVICH BOCHKA

    • Group ID: 17229
    • Name (non-Latin script): Игорь Андреевич БОЧКА
    • a.k.a: BOCHKA, Igor, Andreevich
    • Nationality: Russia
    • Address: Russia
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): CYB0106. (UK Statement of Reasons): The Secretary of State considers that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a member of GRU Unit 26165, Igor Andreyevich BOCHKA has also been involved in relevant cyber activity in that he has been responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or promoting the commission, planning or preparation of relevant cyber activity. Such activity that Igor Andreyevich BOCHKA has been involved in undermines, or is intended to undermine, the integrity, prosperity or security of the United Kingdom or a country other than the United Kingdom.
    • Gender: Male
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Igor Bochka is identified as an officer in GRU Unit 26165.

    4. ALEKSEY ANDREYEVICH UMETS

    • Group ID: 17230
    • Name (non-Latin script): Алексей Андреевич УМЕЦ
    • Nationality: Russia
    • Address: Russia
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): CYB0107. (UK Statement of Reasons): The Secretary of State considers that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that as part of Unit 26165, Aleksey Andreyevich UMETS has been involved in relevant cyber activity in that he has been responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or promoting the commission, planning or preparation of relevant cyber activity. Such activity that Aleksey Andreyevich UMETS has been involved in undermines, or is intended to undermine, the integrity, prosperity or security of the United Kingdom or a country other than the United Kingdom.
    • Gender: Male
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Aleksey Umets is identified as an officer in GRU Unit 26165.

    5. PAVEL VYACHESLAVOVICH YERSHOV

    • Group ID: 17231
    • Name (non-Latin script): Павел Вячеславович ЕРШОВ
    • Nationality: Russia
    • Address: Russia
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): CYB0108. (UK Statement of Reasons): The Secretary of State considers that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that as part of Unit 26165, Pavel Vyacheslavovich YERSHOV has been involved in relevant cyber activity in that he has been responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or promoting the commission, planning or preparation of relevant cyber activity. Such activity that Pavel Vyacheslavovich YERSHOV has been involved in undermines, or is intended to undermine, the integrity, prosperity or security of the United Kingdom or a country other than the United Kingdom.
    • Gender: Male
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Pavel Yershov is a Russian military intelligence officer assigned to GRU Unit 26165. He was indicted by the U.S. in July 2018 for his role in the 2016 election interference. The FBI lists his Date of Birth as December 14, 1990.

    6. NIKOLAY YURYEVICH KOZACHEK

    • Group ID: 17232
    • Name (non-Latin script): Николай Юрьевич КОЗАЧЕК
    • Nationality: Russia
    • Address: Russia
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): CYB0109. (UK Statement of Reasons): The Secretary of State considers that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that as part of Unit 26165, Nikolay Yuryevich KOZACHEK has been involved in relevant cyber activity in that he has been responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or promoting the commission, planning or preparation of relevant cyber activity. Such activity that Nikolay Yuryevich KOZACHEK has been involved in undermines, or is intended to undermine, the integrity, prosperity or security of the United Kingdom or a country other than the United Kingdom.
    • Gender: Male
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Nikolay Kozachek is a Lieutenant Captain in the Russian GRU’s Unit 26165. He was indicted by the U.S. in July 2018 for developing and monitoring the “X-Agent” malware used to hack the DNC. The FBI lists his Date of Birth as July 29, 1989.

    7. DENIS IGOREVICH DENISENKO

    • Group ID: 17233
    • Name (non-Latin script): Денис Игоревич ДЕНИСЕНКО
    • Nationality: Russia
    • Address: Russia
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): CYB0110. (UK Statement of Reasons): The Secretary of State considers that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that Russian GRU 29155 Officer Senior Lieutenant Denis Igorevich DENISENKO is or has been responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or promoting the commission, planning or preparation of relevant cyber activity. Additionally, DENISENKO remains associated with a GRU unit, which is a person who is or has been so involved in such activity.
    • Gender: Male
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Denis Denisenko is a Senior Lieutenant in GRU Unit 29155. He was indicted by the U.S. in June 2024 for his involvement in the “WhisperGate” malware attacks against Ukraine and other targets. The FBI lists his Date of Birth as May 14, 1997.

    8. DMITRIY YURYEVICH GOLOSHUBOV

    • Group ID: 17234
    • Name (non-Latin script): Дмитрий Юрьевич ГОЛОШУБОВ
    • Nationality: Russia
    • Address: Russia
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): CYB0111. (UK Statement of Reasons): The activity that GOLOSHUBOV is or has been involved in undermines, or is intended to undermine, the integrity, prosperity or security of the United Kingdom or a country other than the United Kingdom.
    • Gender: Male
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Dmitriy Goloshubov is an officer in GRU Unit 29155. He was indicted by the U.S. in June 2024 for his role in the “WhisperGate” cyber attacks against Ukrainian critical infrastructure. The FBI lists his Date of Birth as October 10, 1998.

    The video below explains how the FBI identified and indicted the GRU officers mentioned in the listing.

    FBI press conference on GRU officers

    This video is relevant as it details the specific indictments and activities of the GRU officers (Unit 26165 and 29155) listed in the sanctions notice.

    Entities

    1. BABBAR AKALI LEHAR

    • Group ID: 17226
    • Good quality a.k.a: BAL
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): CTD0012. (UK Statement of Reasons): “We have reasonable grounds to suspect that Babbar Akali Lehar (“BAL”) is an involved person on the basis that it has been involved in the following terrorist activity: (a) BAL has been and is promoting and encouraging terrorism, through promoting a person involved in terrorism, namely Babbar Khalsa (“BK”) which uses the alias Babbar Khalsa International (“BKI”) (together “BK/BKI”); (b) BAL is associated with a person involved in terrorism namely BK/BKI; and (c) BAL has been and is carrying out recruitment activities for persons involved in terrorism, namely themselves and BK/BKI.” (Website): babbarakali.com
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Babbar Akali Lehar (BAL) is a pro-Khalistan militant organization. The UK government designated it alongside Gurpreet Singh Rehal, citing its support for the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The group is accused of promoting terrorism and recruiting for BKI activities.

    2. THE MAIN DIRECTORATE OF THE GENERAL STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

    • Group ID: 17235
    • a.k.a: (1) GRU (2) Main Directorate (3) Main Intelligence Directorate
    • Address: Khoroshevskoye Shosse, 76, Moscow, Russia
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3149. (UK Statement of Reasons): The Secretary of State considers that there are reasonable grounds to suspect THE MAIN DIRECTORATE OF THE GENERAL STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (GRU) is an involved person under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 based on the following ground: THE MAIN DIRECTORATE OF THE GENERAL STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (GRU) is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine or undermining the territorial security and sovereignty of Ukraine by engaging in, providing support for, or promoting actions which destabilise Ukraine or undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine.
    • Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services
    • Date trust services sanctions imposed: 04/12/2025
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: The GRU (Glavnoye Razvedyvatelnoye Upravleniye) is the foreign military intelligence agency of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. It controls the specialized cyber units (Unit 26165 and Unit 29155) whose officers were also designated in the parallel Cyber sanctions notice. The GRU has been implicated in numerous international incidents, including the 2018 Salisbury nerve agent attack and the 2016 U.S. election interference.

    ... Russian military intelligence: The GRU …

    This video provides context on the GRU and its activities, which is relevant to the entity listing for the “Main Directorate of the General Staff” and its associated units.

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    ,

  • UK designations for Russia and Cyber programs

    Today, FCDO issued the following notice:

    Policy paper

    New UK action against foreign information warfare

    Published 9 December 2025

    Across Europe, we are witnessing an escalation in hybrid threats – from physical through to cyber and information warfare – designed to destabilise our democracies, weaken our critical national infrastructure, and undermine our interests, all for the advantage of malign foreign states.

    Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) operations are creating fake websites and using social media and bot accounts to undermine democratic elections and spread narratives in support of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. Russian organisations responsible for vast malign online networks like Doppelgänger specialise in flooding social media with counterfeit documents and deepfake material in English, German, and French, which advances Russia’s strategic aims.

    We are stepping up cooperation with European partners on hybrid and information threats, including through the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership, and through deep cooperation between teams in the UK, in France, Germany, Poland and Brussels, to deliver a pan-European response to a pan-European threat.

    Since October 2024, this government has sanctioned 31 organisations and individuals responsible for delivering Russia’s information warfare. Today, the UK has gone further and sanctioned the following entities and individuals for their role in destabilising Ukraine:

    1. RYBAR LLC
    2. Mikhail Sergeevich ZVINCHUK
    3. FOUNDATION FOR THE SUPPORT AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF COMPATRIOTS LIVING ABROAD (AKA PRAVFOND)
    4. EUROMORE
    5. GOLOS
    6. THE CENTRE FOR GEOPOLITICAL EXPERTISE
    7. Aleksandr Geljevitj DUGIN

    Rybar LLC & Mikhail Sergeevich Zvinchuk

    The UK has designated RYBAR LLC, a media company partially resourced by the Government of Russia, that hides its connections to the Russian state whilst running a covert FIMI network that promotes international support for the illegal invasion of Ukraine and interferes in global democratic processes, including elections in the EU and Moldova.

    Rybar uses classic Kremlin manipulation tactics, including fake “investigations” and AI driven content to respond rapidly to global events and shape narratives in the Kremlin’s favour.  Rybar is partially coordinated by the Presidential Administration, receives funding from Russian State corporation Rostec and works with members of the Russian Intelligence Services. The UK has also designated Mikhail Sergeevich ZVINCHUK, RYBAR LLC’s co-owner and General Director.

    Foundation for the Support and Protections of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad  (AKA PRAVFOND), Euromore and Golos

    The UK has designated Government of Russia-affiliated entities facilitating and delivering Russian propaganda which undermines international support for Ukraine. Leaked reports suggest PRAVFOND, attributed as a front for the GRU by Estonia, has funnelled money into EUROMORE and GOLOS, nominally independent news outlets which hide their connection to the Russian state, to spread Kremlin propaganda targeting Ukraine to European audiences.

    The Centre for Geopolitical Expertise and Aleksandr DUGIN

    The UK has designated the Moscow-based “think tank” Centre for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE) for funding and directing Russian FIMI networks that undermine international support for Ukraine, and its founder Aleksandr Dugin, a prominent supporter of the invasion of Ukraine whose work closely informs Putin’s calculations. The CGE is linked to the Russian Intelligence Services and has coordinated support for the Russian FIMI network known as Storm-1516 to further its aims of undermining Ukraine.

    Storm-1516 is a malign influence network which produces content that seeks to undermine European unity and create support for Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. It repeatedly targets European political figures and domestic political parties with false and divisive claims, such as allegations of corruption or impropriety. These videos are then spread through social media accounts, news portals and inauthentic websites. Some of these inauthentic sites impersonate legitimate organisations or media outlets.

    Note

    Some of this analysis is drawn from Open Source material. As such, there is a risk that information may exist that contradicts, alters or strengthens the conclusions contained within this document.

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