Mr. Sanctions

Category: Designations

  • OFSI’s Cyber sanctions additions, refrormatted

    Based on the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) update for the Cyber sanctions regime dated 04/12/2025, the following additions have been made.

    Individuals

    • 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
      • Last Updated: 04/12/2025
    • 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 Vladimirovich 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
      • Last Updated: 04/12/2025
    • 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
      • Last Updated: 04/12/2025
    • 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 was 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
      • Last Updated: 04/12/2025
    • Pavel Vyacheslavovich YERSHOV
      • Group ID: 17231
      • Name (non-Latin script): Павел Вячеславович ЕРШОВ
      • Nationality: 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
      • Last Updated: 04/12/2025
    • Nikolay Yuryevich KOZACHEK
      • Group ID: 17232
      • Name (non-Latin script): Николай Юрьевич КОЗАЧЕК
      • Nationality: 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
      • Last Updated: 04/12/2025
    • Denis Igorevich DENISENKO
      • Group ID: 17233
      • Name (non-Latin script): Денис Игоревич ДЕНИСЕНКО
      • Nationality: 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. The activity that DENISENKO 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.1
      • Gender: Male2
      • Listed on: 04/12/2025345
      • Last Updated: 04/12/2025678
    • Dmitriy Yuryevich GOLOSHUBOV91011
      • Group ID: 17234121314
      • Nam15e (non-Latin script): Дмитрий Юрьевич ГОЛОШУБОВ1617
      • Nationality: Russia1819
      • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): CYB0111.2021
      • UK Statement of Reasons:22 The Secretary of State 23considers that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that Russian GRU 29155 Officer Dmitriy Yuryevich GOLOSHUBOV is or has been responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or promoting the commission, planning or preparation of relevant cyber activity. Additionally, GOLOSHUBOV remains associated with a GRU unit, which is a person who is or has been so involved in such activity. 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
      • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

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  • OFSI Russia sanctions additions, reformatted

    Based on the Annex to Notice_Russia_041225.pdf, here are the additions to the consolidated list, reformatted as requested:

    Based on the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) update provided, here are the additions to the Russia financial sanctions regime, reformatted as requested.

    Entities

    1. THE MAIN DIRECTORATE OF THE GENERAL STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (GRU)

    • Group ID: 17235
    • Name (non-Latin script): Гла́вное управле́ние Генера́льного шта́ба Вооружённых сил Росси́йской Федера́ции
    • 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. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 04/12/2025. (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 or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine.
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: The GRU is Russia’s foreign military intelligence agency. This designation sanctions the agency in its entirety. The UK government stated this action was taken in response to the GRU’s “ongoing campaign of hostile activity,” including the 2018 Salisbury Novichok poisonings and malign activities across Europe and Ukraine.

    Individuals

    1. Yuriy Alekseevich SIZOV

    • Group ID: 17236
    • Name (non-Latin script): Юрий Алексеевич СИЗОВ
    • DOB: 17/02/1988
    • POB: St Petersburg, Russia
    • Nationality: Russia
    • National Identification Number: 784805190577
    • National Identification Details: Tax identification number1
    • Position: GRU officer2
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3150. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 04/12/2025. (UK Statement of Reasons): Yuriy Alekseevich SIZOV is an involved person under the Russia3 (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on the basis that he is or has been destabilising Ukraine or undermining the territorial security and sovereignty of Ukraine by engaging in, providing support for,4 or promoting actions which destabilise Ukraine or undermine or threaten the territorial 5integrity, sovereignty or ind6ependence of Ukraine.
    • (Gender): Male
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Yuriy Sizov is identified as a GRU officer. He is reported to be part of a team (Unit 29155) involved in organizing sabotage operations in Western countries, working in coordination with other sanctioned officers like Denis Smolyaninov.

    2. Vladimir LIPCHENKO

    • Group ID: 17237
    • Name (non-Latin script): Владимир ЛИПЧЕНКО
    • DOB: 28/09/1974
    • a.k.a: (1) VLODEK (2) WLODEK
    • Nationality: Russia
    • Passport Number: 4015400649
    • Passport Details: Russian passport number
    • Position: GRU officer
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3151. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 04/12/2025. (UK Statement of Reasons): Vladimir LIPCHENKO is an involved person under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on the basis that he is or has been destabilising Ukraine or undermining the territorial secur7ity and sovereignty of Ukraine by engaging in, providing support for, or promoting actions which destabilise Ukraine or undermin8e or threa9ten the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine.101112
    • (Gender): Male131415
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List161718
    • Date Designated: 04/12/2025192021
    • Last Updated: 04/12/2025222324

    Supplemental Information: Vladimir Lipchenko is a GRU officer wh25o also uses the alias “Vlodek” (or Wlodek). Reports indicate he works under the command of Denis Smolyaninov and has been involved in orchestrating sabotag26e activiti27es in the West.

    3. Denis Alexandrovich SMOLYANINOV

    • Group ID: 17238
    • Name (non-Latin script): Денис Александрович СМОЛЯНИНОВ
    • Title: Colonel
    • DOB: 26/08/1976
    • POB: Chelyabinsk, Russia
    • Nationality: Russia
    • National Identification Number: 672904784466
    • National Identification Details: Tax identification number
    • Position: GRU officer
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3152. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 04/12/2025. (UK Statement of Reasons): Denis Alexandrovich SMOLYANINOV (hereafter SMOLYANINOV) is an involved person under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on the basis that: a) SMOLYANINOV is or has28 been obtaining a benefit from the Government of Russia, and is involved in destabilising Ukraine or b) SMOLYANINOV is 29or ha30s been 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, namely the coordina31tion of hostile activities.32
    • (Gender): Male33
    • Listed on: 04/12/2025 UK Sanctions List34
    • Date Designated: 04/12/202535
    • Last Upd36ated: 04/12/2025

    Supplemental Information: Colonel Denis Smolyaninov is a high-ranking officer in the GRU’s Unit 29155. He has been accused by European intelligence agencies of recruiting “disposable agents” (often criminals) to carry out sabotage attacks, such as arson at DHL logistics hubs in the UK and Germany. He was also specifically named by the UK government as being responsible for plotting a terror attack on Ukrainian supermarkets.

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  • Daily Digest for Thursday, December 4, 2025

    Daily Digests are simple lists of hyperlinks to new content released by sanctions and export control regulators. When appropriate, additional posts of analysis and commentary, as well as summarizations and rephrasing of the contents will be posted separately.

    Mr. Sanctions does not attempt to comprehensively cover the worlds of sanctions and export control. Opinions expressed here are my own and do not represent that of my past current or future employers.

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  • Today’s OFAC Designations – reformatted and enhanced

    SPECIALLY DESIGNATED NATIONALS LIST UPDATE

    Original release from OFAC

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

    [SDGT] [TCO]

    • [SDGT] Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations: 31 C.F.R. part 594
    • [TCO] Transnational Criminal Organizations Sanctions Regulations: 31 C.F.R. part 590; Executive Order 13581

    APONTE CORDOVA, Noe Manases

    • Aliases: “El Noe”
    • Country: Venezuela
    • DOB: 30 May 1988
    • POB: Venezuela
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • Citizen: Venezuela
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • ID: Cedula No. 19554865 (Venezuela)
    • Type: Individual
    • Linked To: TREN DE ARAGUA

    Supplemental Information:

    According to the U.S. Treasury, Aponte Cordova is a cell leader or lieutenant within the Tren de Aragua (TdA) criminal organization, operating out of Venezuela. He was designated for acting for or on behalf of TdA.

    ARAYA NAVARRO, Jimena Romina

    • Aliases: “ARAYA, Jimena”; “Rosita”
    • Countries: Venezuela; Colombia
    • DOB: 05 Sep 1983
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • Gender: Female
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • ID: Cedula No. 16011070 (Venezuela)
    • Type: Individual
    • Linked To: TREN DE ARAGUA

    Supplemental Information:

    Jimena Araya, widely known by her stage name “Rosita,” is a prominent Venezuelan actress, model, and DJ. She gained initial fame for her role as “Rosita” in the Venevisión comedy show A que te ríes. Public records and news reports indicate she has a long-standing association with TdA leadership; she was arrested in Venezuela in 2012 for allegedly facilitating the prison escape of TdA leader Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores (“Niño Guerrero”) from the Tocorón penitentiary, though she was later released on bail.

    The Treasury Department identifies her as a key affiliate in the entertainment industry who provides material support to TdA. She reportedly uses her profession as a traveling DJ to move funds to the gang’s leadership, with a portion of her performance revenue being remitted to TdA. She is also the president of the designated entity Global Import Solutions S.A. and has been romantically linked to Niño Guerrero.

    ESCOBAR CABRERA, Asdrubal Rafael

    • Aliases: “El Asdrubal”
    • Country: Venezuela
    • DOB: 04 Aug 1992
    • POB: Venezuela
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • Citizen: Venezuela
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • ID: Cedula No. 21269516 (Venezuela)
    • Type: Individual
    • Linked To: TREN DE ARAGUA

    Supplemental Information:

    Escobar Cabrera is identified by the Treasury as a cell leader or lieutenant for Tren de Aragua, operating within Venezuela. He was designated for his role in acting for or on behalf of the organization.

    ESPINAL QUINTERO, Richard Jose

    • Aliases: ESPINEL QUINTERO, Richard Jose; “El Coty”
    • Country: Venezuela
    • DOB: 19 Apr 1996
    • POB: Venezuela
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • Citizen: Venezuela
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • ID: Cedula No. 24419648 (Venezuela)
    • Type: Individual
    • Linked To: TREN DE ARAGUA

    Supplemental Information:

    Like his associates Aponte Cordova and Escobar Cabrera, Espinal Quintero serves as a cell leader or lieutenant for Tren de Aragua in Venezuela and was designated for acting on behalf of the criminal group.

    GUERRERO PALMA, Cheison Royer

    • Aliases: “Arabe Negro”; “Mexicali”
    • Country: Chile
    • DOB: 16 Feb 1985
    • POB: Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • ID: Cedula No. 17984659 (Venezuela)
    • Type: Individual
    • Linked To: TREN DE ARAGUA

    Supplemental Information:

    Cheison Royer Guerrero Palma is the half-brother of the notorious Tren de Aragua leader, Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores (“Niño Guerrero”). According to the Treasury Department, he has been directly involved in the organization’s expansion efforts into Chile.

    LANDAETA HERNANDEZ, Eryk Manuel

    • Aliases: “Eryk”
    • Country: Colombia
    • DOB: 29 Aug 1982
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • ID: Cedula No. 15978329 (Venezuela)
    • Type: Individual
    • Linked To: TREN DE ARAGUA

    Supplemental Information:

    Eryk Landaeta Hernandez is described as the former financial and logistics chief for Tren de Aragua in Bogota, Colombia, until his reported arrest by Colombian authorities in October 2024. He previously served as the bodyguard and manager for Jimena Araya (“Rosita”).

    Treasury reports state that he used his companies, Eryk Producciones SAS and Maiquetia VIP Bar Restaurant, to organize events that facilitated narcotics sales and money laundering for TdA leaders, including Niño Guerrero and Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano.

    SEVILLA ARTEAGA, Kenffersso Jhosue

    • Aliases: MARTINEZ LOPEZ, Jose Daniel; SEVILLA ARTEGA, Kenffersso Jhosue; SEVILLA ATEAGA, Kenferson; “El Flipper”; “Flypper”
    • Country: Colombia
    • DOB: 29 Apr 1993
    • POB: Venezuela
    • Nationality: Venezuela
    • Citizen: Venezuela
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • ID: Cedula No. 21098983 (Venezuela); alt. Cedula No. 1047240759 (Colombia)
    • Type: Individual
    • Linked To: TREN DE ARAGUA

    Supplemental Information:

    Known as “El Flipper,” Sevilla Arteaga was considered the “right-hand man” of TdA leader Niño Guerrero until his arrest in Cucuta, Colombia, in November 2025.

    He served as a financial leader for the gang, orchestrating extortions, kidnappings, and homicides. He managed shell businesses and illegal rent schemes across multiple countries, including Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Mexico, and the United States. He utilized the alias “Jose Daniel Martinez Lopez” to operate the Colombian entity Yakera y Lane SAS.

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

    [SDGT] [TCO]

    • [SDGT] Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations: 31 C.F.R. part 594
    • [TCO] Transnational Criminal Organizations Sanctions Regulations: 31 C.F.R. part 590; Executive Order 13581

    ERYK PRODUCCIONES SAS

    • Address: Bogota, Colombia
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Organization Established Date: 23 Jun 2023
    • Organization Type: Creative, arts and entertainment activities
    • ID: NIT # 901726321-4 (Colombia)
    • Linked To: LANDAETA HERNANDEZ, Eryk Manuel

    Supplemental Information:

    This company is owned and controlled by Eryk Manuel Landaeta Hernandez. According to the Treasury, it was used to organize entertainment events which served as venues for TdA’s narcotics sales and money laundering operations.

    GLOBAL IMPORT SOLUTIONS S.A.

    • Address: Anaco, Anzoategui, Venezuela
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Organization Established Date: 20 Jul 2021
    • ID: Tax ID No. J411408778 (Venezuela)
    • Linked To: ARAYA NAVARRO, Jimena Romina

    Supplemental Information:

    This Venezuela-based company is owned and presided over by Jimena Araya (“Rosita”). It was designated for acting for or on her behalf.

    MAIQUETIA VIP BAR RESTAURANT

    • Aliases: MAIQUETIA VIP; “DISCOTECA MAIQUETIA VIP”
    • Address: Cl. 17 Sur #16-54, Bogota, Colombia
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Organization Established Date: 17 Dec 2020
    • Organization Type: Beverage serving activities
    • ID: Matricula Mercantil No 3319256 (Colombia)
    • Linked To: LANDAETA HERNANDEZ, Eryk Manuel

    Supplemental Information:

    Owned by Eryk Manuel Landaeta Hernandez, this Bogota nightclub was a known performance venue for Jimena Araya (“Rosita”). Treasury investigations reveal the venue was used to sell drugs on behalf of TdA, with proceeds subsequently laundered for the gang’s leadership.

    YAKERA Y LANE SAS

    • Aliases: YAKERA YLANE S.A.S.
    • Address: Cucuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Organization Established Date: 20 Jun 2019
    • Organization Type: Wholesale and retail trade
    • ID: NIT # 901296366-9 (Colombia)
    • Linked To: SEVILLA ARTEAGA, Kenffersso Jhosue

    Supplemental Information: This Colombian entity is involved in wholesale and retail trade and is owned by Kenffersso Jhosue Sevilla Arteaga (“El Flipper”), who operated it under his alias “Jose Daniel Martinez Lopez.”

    So, what do you think of this way of reformatting the OFAC release and adding in info from elsewhere (I included info from the press release, and tried to find other online information)? Just a first cut… if I can find better ways of presenting this, I am certainly open to that.

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  • Daily Digest for Wednesday, December 3, 2025

    Daily Digests are simple lists of hyperlinks to new content released by sanctions and export control regulators. When appropriate, additional posts of analysis and commentary, as well as summarizations and rephrasing of the contents will be posted separately.

    Mr. Sanctions does not attempt to comprehensively cover the worlds of sanctions and export control. Opinions expressed here are my own and do not represent that of my past current or future employers.

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