Mr. Sanctions

Category: US State Department (US)

  • March 20, 2026: OFAC adds to Counter Terrorism sanctions, removes from Counter-Narcotics and Russian ones

    Counter Terrorism Designations; Counter Narcotics and Russia-related Designations Removals

    Treasury Press Release: Treasury Sanctions Global Network Diverting Funds to Benefit Hizballah

    State Press Release: Sanctioning a Global Network Supporting Hizballah Financing

    Additions:

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

    OFAC Program: SDGT Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 594.

    AL LAKIS, Hamdan Ali

    • Address: Kab Elias Main Road, Yaktine Building, 5th Floor, Kab Elias, Bekaa 009618, Lebanon
    • DOB: 17 Jun 1971
    • POB: Mar Elias Zahle, Lebanon
    • Nationality: Lebanon
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations
    • Gender: Male
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: HAMIEH, Alaa Hassan

    Supplemental Information: Hamdan Ali Al Lakis manages the day-to-day operations of a money exchange set up with Alaa Hassan Hamieh. This arrangement allows Hamieh to maintain total access to the business and hide from government oversight while collecting the majority of the profits.

    BOUSTANY, Maya

    • AKA: * AL-BUSTANI, Maya
      • AL-BUSTANI, Maya Shadi
    • Address: Qatar; Al-Dabieh, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon
    • DOB: 09 Sep 1981
    • POB: Al-Dabieh, Lebanon
    • Nationality: Lebanon
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations
    • Gender: Female
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: HAMIEH, Alaa Hassan

    Supplemental Information: Maya Boustany is an associate of Alaa Hassan Hamieh and serves as the Chief Operating Officer for one of his companies. She has acted as a proxy for the Hizballah finance team to establish a front company in Iraq.

    FADEL, Raoof

    • Address: Zone 55, Street 169, Building 85, Villa 3, Doha, Qatar
    • DOB: 20 Dec 1981
    • POB: El Dammamm, Saudi Arabia
    • Nationality: Lebanon
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: HAMIEH, Alaa Hassan

    Supplemental Information: Raoof Fadel is part of the financial network led by Alaa Hassan Hamieh. He owns and operates Seven Seas for International Trading and Logistics, a Qatar-based company used to move funds for Hizballah.

    HAMIEH, Alaa Hassan

    • Address: Zantout Street, Safi Darwich Building, 1st Floor, Dawhet El Hoss, Beirut, Lebanon; Southern Tariya, Baalbek, Lebanon
    • DOB: 25 Jan 1980
    • Nationality: Lebanon
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions
    • Passport: OA110548 (Canada)
    • National ID No: 00003985449 (Lebanon)
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: HIZBALLAH

    Supplemental Information: Alaa Hassan Hamieh is a Hizballah financier and former Vice President of the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL). He oversees a global network of companies that launder and raise funds for Hizballah’s finance team, diverting more than $100 million since 2020. He was notably involved in diverting funds from a trade agreement between Iraq and Lebanon intended for reconstruction.

    HAMIEH, Daniel

    • AKA: HAMIE, Daniel
    • Address: Wojska Polskiego 23ABC, Suwalki, Podlaskie 16-400, Poland; Lebanon
    • DOB: 30 Nov 2002
    • POB: Bialystok, Poland
    • Nationality: Poland
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: HAMIEH, Alaa Hassan

    Supplemental Information: Daniel Hamieh is the nephew of Alaa Hassan Hamieh. He co-owns the Poland-based entity Call Lync Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia, which has transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to companies affiliated with the Hizballah finance team.

    HAMIEH, Muhammad Hasan

    • AKA: HAMIYYAH, Muhammad Hasan
    • Address: Lebanon
    • DOB: 12 Sep 1983
    • POB: Tariyah, Lebanon
    • Nationality: Lebanon
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: HAMIEH, Alaa Hassan

    Supplemental Information: Muhammad Hasan Hamieh is the brother of Alaa Hassan Hamieh. He assists in tracking funds associated with various projects operated in collaboration with Hizballah finance team members, including Muhammad Al-Bazzal and Rashid Al-Bazzal.

    HASHEM, Bahaa Addin

    • Address: Lebanon
    • DOB: 18 Nov 1982
    • POB: Damascus, Syria
    • Nationality: Syria
    • alt. nationality: Saint Kitts and Nevis
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Passport: RE0151778 (Saint Kitts and Nevis)
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: HAMIEH, Alaa Hassan

    Supplemental Information: Bahaa Addin Hashem is a Syrian gray-arms dealer who co-owns several companies with Alaa Hassan Hamieh. He is the registered owner of the Slovenia-based Call Lync Telekomunikacijske Storitve D.O.O. and is also an employee of the previously designated Hizballah enterprise G.M. Farm.

    SALAMI, Mohamad Jamil

    • AKA: SALAMI, Mohamad
    • Address: Amir Bachir Street, Azarieh Building, Beirut, Lebanon
    • DOB: 17 May 1982
    • Nationality: Lebanon
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: HAMIEH, Alaa Hassan

    Supplemental Information: Mohamad Jamil Salami is a Hizballah member within Alaa Hassan Hamieh’s network. He has been involved in telecommunications projects and a weapons systems company, and has personally transferred fundsto Hamieh.

    TARSHISHI, Hala Mohamad

    • AKA: TARCHICHI, Hala
    • Address: Lebanon
    • DOB: 26 Feb 1983
    • Nationality: Lebanon
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations
    • Gender: Female
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: HAMIEH, Alaa Hassan

    Supplemental Information: Hala Mohamad Tarshishi serves as the secretary for Alaa Hassan Hamieh. She acts as a proxy for his companies and conducts financial transactions on his behalf to support his business network.

    WEHBE, Mohamad Hasan

    • AKA: WAHBI, Mohamed Hassan
    • Address: Ras Beirut, Lebanon
    • DOB: 08 Sep 1971
    • POB: Beirut, Lebanon
    • Nationality: Lebanon
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Passport: LR2576480 (Lebanon) expires 13 Mar 2032
    • National ID No: 000034132689 (Lebanon)
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: HAMIEH, Alaa Hassan

    Supplemental Information: Mohamad Hasan Wehbe owns and operates several Lebanon-based entities, including Seven Seas SAL Offshore and Seven Seas Group S.A.R.L., which are utilized by Alaa Hassan Hamieh for money laundering and procurement.

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

    OFAC Program: SDGT Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 594.

    CALL LYNC S.A.L. OFFSHORE

    • Address: Beirut, Lebanon
    • Party Type: Entity
    • Linked to: HAMIEH, Alaa Hassan

    CALL LYNC SPOLKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA

    • AKA: CALL LYNC S.P. Z.O.O.
    • Address: Wojska Polskiego 23ABC, Suwalki, Podlaskie 16-400, Poland
    • Party Type: Entity
    • Linked to: HAMIEH, Daniel

    CALL LYNC TELEKOMUNIKACIJSKE STORITVE D.O.O.

    • AKA: CALL LYNC D.O.O.
    • Address: Ljubljana, Slovenia
    • Party Type: Entity
    • Linked to: HASHEM, Bahaa Addin

    SEVEN SEAS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADING AND LOGISTICS

    • Address: Doha, Qatar
    • Party Type: Entity
    • Linked to: FADEL, Raoof

    SEVEN SEAS GROUP S.A.R.L.

    • Address: Beirut, Lebanon
    • Party Type: Entity
    • Linked to: WEHBE, Mohamad Hasan

    SEVEN SEAS SAL OFFSHORE

    • Address: Second Floor, Airport Business Center, Airport Road, Beirut, Lebanon
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions Pursuant to the Hizballah Financial Sanctions Regulations
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Organization Established Date: 12 Jul 2012
    • Registration Number: 1806107 (Lebanon)
    • Party Type: Entity
    • Linked to: WEHBE, Mohamad Hasan

    Delistings:

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

    OFAC Program: SDNTK Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 598.

    GASTELUM SERRANO, Cesar (a.k.a. “LA SENORA“), Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico; DOB 1961; POB Mexico; nationality Mexico; Gender Male (individual).

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

    OFAC Program: RUSSIA-EO14024 Executive Order 14024, “Blocking Property With Respect To Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation”.

    KORZHAVIN, Yurii Anatolyevich, Russia; DOB 28 Sep 1957; POB Moscow, Russia; nationality Russia; GenderMale; Tax ID No. 770702814195 (Russia) (individual).

    KORZHAVINA, Lidiya Germanovna, Russia; DOB 22 May 1958; POB Moscow, Russia; nationality Russia; GenderFemale; Tax ID No. 771405312885 (Russia) (individual).

    Source List:

    Note: The Treasury Department press release is legit, but it’s not part of the Recent Actions page item (follow the link if you don’t believe me).

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  • March 12, 2026: OFAC Sanctions-a-rama: Terrorism, North Korea, Narcotics Trafficking designations, changes, removals

    Counter Terrorism Designations; North Korea Designations and Designation Update; Counter Narcotics Designation Removal

    Treasury Press Release: Treasury Continues to Disrupt Hamas’ Sham Charity Network as the Group Refuses to Disarm

    Treasury Press Release: Treasury Sanctions Facilitators of DPRK IT Worker Fraud Targeting U.S. Businesses

    State Press Release: Sanctions to Disrupt DPRK IT Worker Schemes Defrauding U.S. Businesses

    State Press Release: United States Sanctions Hamas’s Illicit Charity Network

    Additions:

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

    OFAC Program: [DPRK4] Executive Order 13810

    CELESTINO HERRERA, York Louis

    • Address: Barcelona, Spain
    • DOB: 07 Nov 1996
    • POB: La Vega, Dominican Republic
    • Nationality: Dominican Republic
    • Alt. Nationality: Spain
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: North Korea Sanctions Regulations, sections 510.201 and 510.210
    • Transactions Prohibited For Persons Owned or Controlled By U.S. Financial Institutions: North Korea Sanctions Regulations section 510.214
    • Passport: XDB250498 (Spain)
    • Alt. Passport: EM0642806 (Dominican Republic) issued 28 Feb 2013 expires 28 Feb 2019
    • National ID No.: 24558183W (Dominican Republic)
    • Party Type: individual
    • Linked to: YUN, Song Guk

    Supplemental Information: Celestino Herrera provided material support and assistance to Yun Song Guk, a North Korean national leading a group of IT workers in Laos.

    HOANG, Minh Quang

    • Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
    • DOB: 16 Nov 1993
    • POB: Hanoi, Vietnam
    • Nationality: Vietnam
    • Gender: Male
    • Digital Currency Address – XBT: bc1qyy5pt5cx3zth8xlj92lq5y87dh8xv3nwgs4ncq
    • Secondary sanctions risk: North Korea Sanctions Regulations, sections 510.201 and 510.210
    • Transactions Prohibited For Persons Owned or Controlled By U.S. Financial Institutions: North Korea Sanctions Regulations section 510.214
    • National ID No.: 001093019421 (Vietnam)
    • Party Type: individual
    • Linked to: YUN, Song Guk

    Supplemental Information: Hoang Minh Quang coordinated several dozen financial transactions totaling more than $70,000 with Yun Song Guk related to IT services performed by Yun’s team of North Korean freelance workers.

    YUN, Song Guk

    • AKA: YUN, So’ng-kuk
    • Address: Boten, Laos
    • DOB: 27 Jul 1969
    • Nationality: Korea, North
    • Gender: Male
    • Digital Currency Address – ETH: 0xb637f84b66876ebf609c2a4208905f9ddac9d075
    • Alt. Digital Currency Address – ETH: 0x95584C303FCd48AF5c6B9873015f2AD0ca84EaE3
    • Secondary sanctions risk: North Korea Sanctions Regulations, sections 510.201 and 510.210
    • Transactions Prohibited For Persons Owned or Controlled By U.S. Financial Institutions: North Korea Sanctions Regulations section 510.214
    • Passport: 180131469 (Korea, North)
    • Party Type: individual

    Supplemental Information: Yun Song Guk is a North Korean national who led a group of North Korean IT workers operating out of Boten, Laos, to conduct freelance IT work and generate revenue for the North Korean government.

    OFAC Program: [NPWMD] Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 544

    DO, Phi Khanh

    • Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
    • DOB: 04 Mar 1980
    • POB: Hanoi, Vietnam
    • Nationality: Vietnam
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: North Korea Sanctions Regulations, sections 510.201 and 510.210
    • Transactions Prohibited For Persons Owned or Controlled By U.S. Financial Institutions: North Korea Sanctions Regulations section 510.214
    • Passport: B7083978 (Vietnam) issued 27 Aug 2012 expires 27 Aug 2022
    • National ID No.: 111534690 (Vietnam)
    • Party Type: individual
    • Linked to: KIM, Se Un

    Supplemental Information: Do Phi Khanh is an associate of U.S.-sanctioned North Korean nuclear procurement facilitator Kim Se Un. He acts as a proxy for Kim, allowing him to use Do’s identity to open bank accounts and launder proceeds from North Korean IT workers.

    HOANG, Van Nguyen

    • Address: Vietnam
    • DOB: 20 Jul 1980
    • POB: Nghe An, Vietnam
    • Nationality: Vietnam
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: North Korea Sanctions Regulations, sections 510.201 and 510.210
    • Transactions Prohibited For Persons Owned or Controlled By U.S. Financial Institutions: North Korea Sanctions Regulations section 510.214
    • Passport: C7177903 (Vietnam) issued 18 Apr 2019 expires 18 Apr 2029
    • National ID No.: 013564395 (Vietnam)
    • Party Type: individual
    • Linked to: KIM, Se Un

    Supplemental Information: Hoang Van Nguyen assists Kim Se Un in opening bank accounts and enabling cryptocurrency transactions to procure foreign currency for the North Korean regime. In 2022, he facilitated a counterfeit cigarette deal exceeding $200,000 on Kim’s behalf.

    OFAC Program: [DPRK4] Executive Order 13810

    NGUYEN, Quang Viet

    • Address: Vietnam
    • DOB: 12 Oct 1993
    • Nationality: Vietnam
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: North Korea Sanctions Regulations, sections 510.201 and 510.210
    • Transactions Prohibited For Persons Owned or Controlled By U.S. Financial Institutions: North Korea Sanctions Regulations section 510.214
    • National ID No.: 122094898 (Vietnam)
    • Party Type: individual
    • Linked to: AMNOKGANG TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

    Supplemental Information: Between mid-2023 and mid-2025, Nguyen converted approximately $2.5 million into cryptocurrency for North Koreans, including illicit earnings from IT workers associated with Amnokgang Technology Development Company.

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

    OFAC Program: [DPRK4] Executive Order 13810

    AMNOKGANG TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

    • AKA: * AMNOKGANG TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
      • KOREA AMNOKGANG TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
      • KOREA APROKGANG TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
      • YALU RIVER TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
    • Address: South Hamgyong, Korea, North; Pothonggang District, Pyongyang, Korea, North
    • Digital Currency Address – ETH: 0xcB74874f1e06Fcf80A306e06e5379A44B488bA2D
    • Alt. Digital Currency Address – ETH: 0x0330070FD38Ec3bB94F58FA55D40368271E9e54A
    • Alt. Digital Currency Address – ETH: 0x9Be599d7867f5E1a2D7Ec6dB9710dF2b98A15573
    • Secondary sanctions risk: North Korea Sanctions Regulations, sections 510.201 and 510.210
    • Transactions Prohibited For Persons Owned or Controlled By U.S. Financial Institutions: North Korea Sanctions Regulations section 510.214
    • Organization Established Date: 1982
    • Organization Type: Other information technology and computer service activities
    • Digital Currency Address – TRX: TNrX2FwrHKoo4XACGkmSzqeK4pdnKYn6Z7
    • Alt. Digital Currency Address – TRX: TEEYCuGDyeNkuDj4u6GQRXxXo3Nh29r2vP
    • Alt. Digital Currency Address – TRX: TZB4NrX7k9ZsV6PRc1GigAztLL8WHpLvwP
    • Alt. Digital Currency Address – TRX: TDe2UNAvuUnTbbDo7518eMe3TXN5qJW8Ft

    Supplemental Information: Amnokgang is a North Korean IT company that manages delegations of overseas IT workers and conducts illicit procurement to obtain military and commercial technology.

    QUANGVIETDNBG INTERNATIONAL SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED

    • AKA: SHOPAR INTERNATIONAL E-TRADE COMPANY LIMITED
    • Address: 37C Alley 2/69 Hoang Liet Street, Hoang Liet Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
    • Secondary sanctions risk: North Korea Sanctions Regulations, sections 510.201 and 510.210
    • Transactions Prohibited For Persons Owned or Controlled By U.S. Financial Institutions: North Korea Sanctions Regulations section 510.214
    • Organization Established Date: 04 Jul 2022
    • Tax ID No.: 0110050211 (Vietnam)
    • Linked to: NGUYEN, Quang Viet

    Supplemental Information: This Vietnamese company is linked to Nguyen Quang Viet and served as part of a network involved in laundering funds for North Korean IT workers.

    OFAC Program: [SDGT] Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 544

    GHAZI DESTEK DERNEGI

    • AKA: * GAZZE DESTEK ORGANIZATION
      • “GDD”
    • Address: Aksemsettin Mahallesi, Akdeniz Caddesi, Hakperest Sokak No: 16, Daire 18 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
    • Website: https://gdd.org
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Organization Established Date: 2014
    • Organization Type: Other human health activities
    • Target Type: Charity or Nonprofit Organization
    • Registered Charity No.: 34-209-183 (Turkey)
    • Linked to: HAMAS

    Supplemental Information: This organization is a sham charity that directly funds Hamas’s Military Wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades. It uses deceptive practices to hide revenue-generating activities behind humanitarian work.

    HAYAT YOLU

    • AKA: * HAYAT YOLU ASSOCIATION
      • HAYAT YOLU KALKINMA YARDIMLASMA EGITIM VE KULTUR DERNEGI
    • Address: Cakmak, Sht., Burak Kurtulus Cd., No: 2, 34774, Umraniye, Istanbul, Turkey
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Organization Established Date: 2014
    • Organization Type: Other human health activities
    • Target Type: Charity or Nonprofit Organization
    • Registered Charity No.: 34-207-158 (Turkey)
    • Linked to: HAMAS

    Supplemental Information: Hayat Yolu is identified as an operational headquarters and a banking and financial hub for the Muslim Brotherhood, while also serving as a front to fund Hamas’s military operations.

    KOMITE NASIONAL UNTUK RAKYAT PALESTINA

    • AKA: * KNRP INDONESIA
      • NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE
    • Address: Jl. Jabir No. 11 B, Ragunan, Pasar Minggu, Jakarta 12550, Indonesia
    • Website: https://knrp.org/
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Organization Established Date: 08 May 2006
    • Organization Type: Other human health activities
    • Target Type: Charity or Nonprofit Organization
    • Linked to: HAMAS

    Supplemental Information: Internal Hamas documents revealed that KNRP provided funding for projects that directly benefited Hamas fighters. The charity has coordinated with Hamas to distribute materials intended exclusively for the military wing.

    PALESTINIAN WHITE HANDS ASSISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY ASSOCIATION

    • AKA: * BEYAZ ELLER ASSOCIATION
      • BEYAZ ELLER YARDIMLASMA VE DAYANISMA DERNEGI
      • WHITE HANDS CHARITY
    • Address: Ikitelli Osb, Giyim Sanatkarlar Kooperatifi, 3 Ada A Blok No: 203, Basaksehir, Istanbul, Turkey
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Organization Established Date: 16 Nov 2011
    • Organization Type: Other human health activities
    • Target Type: Charity or Nonprofit Organization
    • Linked to: HAMAS

    Supplemental Information: This Türkiye-based entity is part of the covert global network utilized by Hamas to leverage donor sympathies and funnel money toward terrorist activities in Gaza.

    Delistings:

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

    OFAC Program: [SDNTK] Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 598

    LOBO, Carlos Arnoldo (a.k.a. “EL NEGRO LOBO”; a.k.a. “NEGRO”), Col Toronjal, 2da Etapa, Casa 2, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; Col Toronjal, 2da Etapa, Casa 2, Numero 67, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; Colonia El Toronjal, Cuarta Etapa, Bloque, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; Hacienda La Rosita, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; French Harbour, Roatan, Islas de La Bahia, Honduras; Los Tangos, Copan, Honduras; Casa 67, Blq 02, San Pedro Sula, Cortes, Honduras; Hacienda Aldea La Rosita, Esparta, Atlantida, Honduras; Hacienda Satuye, Col. Satuye, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; DOB 28 May 1974; POB Esparta, La Ceiba, Honduras; Numero de Identidad 0103-1975-00009 (Honduras) (individual)

    “NEGRO” (a.k.a. LOBO, Carlos Arnoldo; a.k.a. “EL NEGRO LOBO”), Col Toronjal, 2da Etapa, Casa 2, La Ceiba,Atlantida, Honduras; Col Toronjal, 2da Etapa, Casa 2, Numero 67, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; Colonia El Toronjal, Cuarta Etapa, Bloque, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; Hacienda La Rosita, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; French Harbour, Roatan, Islas de La Bahia, Honduras; Los Tangos, Copan, Honduras; Casa 67, Blq 02, San Pedro Sula, Cortes, Honduras; Hacienda Aldea La Rosita, Esparta, Atlantida, Honduras; Hacienda Satuye, Col. Satuye, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; DOB 28 May 1974; POB Esparta, La Ceiba, Honduras; Numero de Identidad 0103-1975-00009 (Honduras) (individual)

    “EL NEGRO LOBO” (a.k.a. LOBO, Carlos Arnoldo; a.k.a. “NEGRO”), Col Toronjal, 2da Etapa, Casa 2, La Ceiba,Atlantida, Honduras; Col Toronjal, 2da Etapa, Casa 2, Numero 67, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; Colonia El Toronjal, Cuarta Etapa, Bloque, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; Hacienda La Rosita, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; French Harbour, Roatan, Islas de La Bahia, Honduras; Los Tangos, Copan, Honduras; Casa 67, Blq 02, San Pedro Sula, Cortes, Honduras; Hacienda Aldea La Rosita, Esparta, Atlantida, Honduras; Hacienda Satuye, Col. Satuye, La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras; DOB 28 May 1974; POB Esparta, La Ceiba, Honduras; Numero de Identidad 0103-1975-00009 (Honduras) (individual)

    Amendments:

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

    OFAC Program: [NPWMD] Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 544

    SIM, Hyon Sop

    • AKA: SIM, Hyo’n-so’p
    • Address: Dandong, China
    • DOB: 25 Nov 1983
    • POB: Pyongyang, North Korea
    • Nationality: Korea, North
    • Gender: Male
    • Digital Currency Address – ETH: * 0x4f47bc496083c727c5fbe3ce9cdf2b0f6496270c
      • 0xd04E33461FEA8302c5E1e13895b60cEe8AEfda7F
      • 0x76EA76CA4Eb727f18956aB93445a94c5280412B9
      • 0xFb3eFf152ea55D1BfA04Dbdd509A80fD7b72cdEB
      • 0xFda1Ec4A6178d4916b001a065422D31EBE5F62FF
      • 0x747AFB5c7A7fc34B547cD0FDEbf9b91759C5a52b
    • Secondary sanctions risk: North Korea Sanctions Regulations, sections 510.201 and 510.210
    • Transactions Prohibited For Persons Owned or Controlled By U.S. Financial Institutions: North Korea Sanctions Regulations section 510.214
    • Digital Currency Address – TRX: * TPDLpXxPcaSsupEZ3yrVksmNkYP5SLeKxu
      • TGXE9dGWawjfd3xqFSho1h1bRbRv9wUGrF
      • TNTFhgFoKH4srBMiWbfrVFqP2AThSmdwf1
      • TXhf9nU9bjo1j9z5qEesHdr6gtdndfnA4T
      • TK17wfSPp32RWrnzZPrGpv7TxdNFvvvE2s
      • TYeQD2VddTZ9NkFkAnT9DD8cUGetGUQZB2
    • Digital Currency Address – ARB: 0x4f47bc496083c727c5fbe3ce9cdf2b0f6496270c
    • Digital Currency Address – BSC: 0x4f47bc496083c727c5fbe3ce9cdf2b0f6496270c
    • Passport: 109484100 (Korea, North) expires 24 Dec 2024
    • Party Type: individual
    • Linked to: KOREA KWANGSON BANKING CORP

    Supplemental Information: Sim Hyon Sop is a North Korean national involved in laundering funds derived from North Korean IT worker schemes. He has coordinated with other facilitators to convert illicit proceeds into cryptocurrency.

    List of Changes:

    • Field Name: Digital Currency Address – ETH
      • Added: 0xd04E33461FEA8302c5E1e13895b60cEe8AEfda7F
      • Added: 0x76EA76CA4Eb727f18956aB93445a94c5280412B9
      • Added: 0xFb3eFf152ea55D1BfA04Dbdd509A80fD7b72cdEB
      • Added: 0xFda1Ec4A6178d4916b001a065422D31EBE5F62FF
      • Added: 0x747AFB5c7A7fc34B547cD0FDEbf9b91759C5a52b
    • Field Name: Digital Currency Address – TRX
      • Added: TPDLpXxPcaSsupEZ3yrVksmNkYP5SLeKxu
      • Added: TGXE9dGWawjfd3xqFSho1h1bRbRv9wUGrF
      • Added: TNTFhgFoKH4srBMiWbfrVFqP2AThSmdwf1
      • Added: TXhf9nU9bjo1j9z5qEesHdr6gtdndfnA4T
      • Added: TK17wfSPp32RWrnzZPrGpv7TxdNFvvvE2s
      • Added: TYeQD2VddTZ9NkFkAnT9DD8cUGetGUQZB2

    Note: The two State Department press releases, while related, were issued separately and not with the OFAC Recent Actions page update. When I see both sets of releases when I write posts, I modify the Gemini post so all the items are included rather than write separate posts. Since I only provide titles and links, I thinks it’s more efficient for you to read one post rather than multiple ones.

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  • March 9, 2026: Sudan and Counter-Terrorism Designations: The State Department Fact Sheet

    Designation of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood

    FACT SHEET

    OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON

    MARCH 9, 2026

    Today, the Department of State announces the designation of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and the intent to designate the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

    • The Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood (SMB), composed of the Sudanese Islamic Movement and its armed wing – the al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade (BBMB), uses unrestrained violence against civilians to undermine efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan and advance its violent Islamist ideology.
    • The SMB has contributed upwards of 20,000 fighters to the war in Sudan, many receiving training and other support from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
    • SMB’s BBMB fighters have conducted mass executions of civilians in areas they captured, and repeatedly and summarily executed civilians based on race, ethnicity, or perceived affiliation with opposition groups.
    • The Treasury Department designated BBMB in September 2025 pursuant to Executive Order 14098, “Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition” for its role in Sudan’s brutal war.

    Terrorist designations expose and isolate entities and individuals, denying them access to the U.S. financial system and the resources they need to carry out attacks.   
     
    All property and interests in property of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood that are in the United States or that are in possession or control of a U.S. person are blocked. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting business with sanctioned persons.  

    Persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood may expose themselves to sanctions risk. Notably, engaging in certain transactions with them entails risk of secondary sanctions pursuant to counterterrorism authorities.  
       
    Today’s actions are taken pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. Foreign Terrorist Organization designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register.

    Petitioners requesting removal of those designated today from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List should refer to the Department of State’s Delisting Guidance page.

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  • March 9. 2026: Sudan and Counter-Terrorism designations – the OFAC part

    Counter Terrorism Designations; Sudan-related Designation Update

    State Press Release: Terrorist Designation of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood

    Additions:

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

    OFAC Programs:

    • [FTO] Foreign Terrorist Organizations
    • [SDGT] Specially Designated Global Terrorist

    SUDANESE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD

    • AKA: * الحركة الاسلامية السودانية
      • “MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD IN SUDAN”
      • “SUDANESE ISLAMIC MOVEMENT”
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Organization Established Date: 01 Jan 1954
    • Organization Type: Advocacy organization
    • Party Type: Entity

    Supplemental Information: The Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood (SMB) is an Islamist organization that utilizes unrestrained violence against civilians to advance its ideology and undermine conflict resolution in Sudan. SMB fighters have been implicated in mass executions of civilians and receive extensive training and support from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While currently designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, the U.S. Department of State has announced its intent to formally designate the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) effective March 16, 2026.

    Amendments:

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

    OFAC Programs:

    • [FTO] Foreign Terrorist Organizations
    • [SDGT] Specially Designated Global Terrorist
    • [SUDAN-EO14098] Executive Order 14098 (imposing sanctions on persons destabilizing Sudan and undermining the goal of a democratic transition)

    AL-BARAA BIN MALIK BRIGADE

    • AKA: * AL-BARA’ IBN MALIK BRIGADE
      • AL-BARAA BIN MALIK BATTALION
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Organization Established Date: 07 Jan 2020
    • Target Type: Armed Group
    • Party Type: Entity
    • Linked to: SUDANESE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD

    Supplemental Information: The Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade is an armed group operating under the umbrella of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood. It was previously designated in September 2025 under E.O. 14098 for its role in destabilizing Sudan. The group’s fighters are known for conducting brutal operations and have received tactical training from the Iranian IRGC. This updated designation reflects its status as a terror organization linked directly to the newly designated Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood.

    List of Changes:

    • Field Name: Secondary sanctions risk
      • Added: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Field Name: Linked to
      • Added: SUDANESE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD

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  • March 9, 2026: Papa (Rubio)’s got a brand new bag…

    Afghanistan Designated as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention

    PRESS STATEMENT

    MARCO RUBIO, SECRETARY OF STATE

    MARCH 9, 2026

    Today, I am designating Afghanistan as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. The Taliban continues to use terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions. These despicable tactics need to end.

    It is not safe for Americans to travel to Afghanistan because the Taliban continues to unjustly detain our fellow Americans and other foreign nationals. The Taliban needs to release Dennis Coyle, Mahmoud Habibi, and all Americans unjustly detained in Afghanistan now and commit to cease the practice of hostage diplomacy forever.

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  • March 6, 2026: Sanctions-Adjacent: Visa restrictions of persons undermining DRC peace

    Announcement of Visa Restriction Policy Targeting Individuals Undermining Peace in the Great Lakes Region

    PRESS STATEMENT

    MARCO RUBIO, SECRETARY OF STATE

    MARCH 6, 2026

    The Department of State will impose visa restrictions on several senior Rwandan officials for fueling instability in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). By continuing to support M23 and violating the Washington Accords, these individuals are driving violence and undermining the stability of the entire Great Lakes Region.

    The United States expects all parties to the Washington Accords to fully implement their commitments, including by the DRC immediately neutralizing the FDLR armed group and its associated groups and Rwanda withdrawing its troops and military equipment from the DRC. Only then will the immense economic potential of the Great Lakes region be realized. Individuals believed to be responsible for, complicit in, or directly or indirectly engaged in undermining or impeding a sustainable peace in the Great Lakes region will face consequences.

    This visa restriction policy is pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes the Secretary of State to render inadmissible any alien whose entry into the Unites States “would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.” Certain family members may also be covered by these restrictions.

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  • March 5, 2026: Sanctions-Adjacent: Joint Statement about the situation in the DRC

    Joint Statement from the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) on the Situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

    MEDIA NOTE

    OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON

    MARCH 5, 2026

    The Governments of the United States of America, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, chaired by Sweden, issue the following statement on situation in the eastern DRC:

    Begin Text

    The ICG expresses its profound concern regarding the continued and recent violations in eastern DRC of the ceasefires upheld by the signing of the Washington Accords on 4 December 2025 and the commitment in Doha on 19 July 2025 to a permanent ceasefire and a permanent cessation of hostilities. Such violations include the use of drones in military attacks which also pose an acute risk to civilian populations. All parties involved should urgently and unequivocally recommit to ceasing the hostilities and return to negotiations.

    There can be no military solution to the conflict.

    We urge all parties to fully implement their obligations and commitments made under the Washington Accords and the Doha process and to comply with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 2773 and 2808, and the full respect of territorial integrity. The ICG commends the ongoing mediation by the AU-appointed mediator, Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, and the Panel of Facilitators, as well as the crucial mediation conducted by the US and Qatar. We welcome the efforts by Qatar, the ICGLR and MONUSCO to establish a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. We recall the importance of creating conditions for an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue with all key Congolese stakeholders – a necessary element for durable peace in the DRC – and welcome the consultations undertaken by the Republic of Angola.

    We stand ready to support these efforts.

    The ICG calls on all parties to honor their obligations to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to enable critical assistance to those in need. We welcome positive steps forward such as the commitments by governments and actors in the region to improve and facilitate humanitarian access, including following the visit of EU Commissioner Lahbib; the reopening of the border between the DRC and Burundi; and the use of the Goma airport during the recent visit to Goma by MONUSCO Interim Head and Special Representative of the Secretary-General van de Perre, which should lead to the sustained reopening of the Goma airport for humanitarian flights.

    The ICG further calls on parties to stop incitement to hatred, discrimination or violence, including against Rwandophone minorities, and other actions that gravely endanger civilian populations and social cohesion.

    End Text

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  • February 27, 2026: Sanctions-Adjacent: Iran a State Sponsor of… Wrongful Detention

    Yes, the timing is quite odd, given recent events…

    Iran Designated as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention

    PRESS STATEMENT

    MARCO RUBIO, SECRETARY OF STATE

    FEBRUARY 27, 2026

    Today, I am designating Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. When the Iranian regime seized power 47 years ago, Ayatollah Khomeini consolidated his control of power by endorsing the hostage taking of U.S. embassy staff. For decades, Iran has continued to cruelly detain innocent Americans, as well as citizens of other nations, to use as political leverage against other states. This abhorrent practice must end.

    President Trump issued an Executive Order to Protect U.S. Nationals from Wrongful Detention Abroad last fall and Congress subsequently enacted the Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025, authorizing the Department to designate Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. If Iran does not stop, we will be forced to consider additional measures, including a potential geographic travel restriction on the use of U.S. passports to, through, or from Iran.

    The Iranian regime must stop taking hostages and release all Americans unjustly detained in Iran, steps that could end this designation and associated actions. We encourage it to do so. No American should travel to Iran for any reason. We reiterate our call for Americans who are currently in Iran to leave immediately.

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  • February 26, 2026: Money talks: another way to skin the cat…

    Up to $10 Million in Reward Offers for Information Leading to Arrests and/or Convictions of Alleged Mexican Sinaloa Cartel Plaza Bosses 

    PRESS STATEMENT

    THOMAS “TOMMY” PIGOTT, PRINCIPAL DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON

    FEBRUARY 26, 2026

    Today, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is announcing reward offers under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) of up to $5 million each for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions, in any country, of Sinaloa Cartel Tijuana Plaza Bosses René Arzate-García, a/k/a “La Rana,” and his brother, Alfonso Arzate-García, a/k/a “Aquiles.” These rewards are offered in coordination with the DEA San Diego Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California in a unified effort to bring the Arzate-García brothers to justice.  

    According to the DEA, René and Alfonso Arzate-García have jointly controlled the Tijuana Plaza for the Sinaloa Cartel for the past 15 years, maintaining authority through violence, strategic alliances, and deep local influence, including political and police corruption.  Despite ongoing conflicts, they continue to manage this critical trafficking corridor, making them key figures in sustaining cartel operations, including trafficking deadly illicit fentanyl, designated by the Trump Administration as a Weapon of Mass Destruction, into U.S. communities.  Last year, the Trump Administration designated the Sinaloa Cartel as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).   

    In 2014, the Arzate-García brothers were charged in the Southern District of California with drug trafficking offenses in separate indictments and have been fugitives since that time.  On August 9, 2023, both brothers were designated by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Financial Assets Control under Executive Order 14059, “Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade.” 

    Today’s reward offers complement the Department of Justice’s announcement of a superseding indictment against René Arzate-García, charging him with narcoterrorism, conducting a continuing criminal enterprise, material support to a foreign terrorist organization, international conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana, and money laundering.   

    Today’s reward offers are authorized by the Secretary under the NRP, which supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally and bring fugitives to justice.  If you have information, please contact the DEA by phone (WhatsApp and Signal) at +1-858-298-5670, at Threema ID: PTJ4HS3J, or by email at MFSinaloaTipLine@dea.gov. If you are located outside of the United States, you may also contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are located in the United States, you may also contact the local DEA field office. 

    ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.  Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards. 

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  • February 26, 2026: The Designation Half of today’s OFAC Designations

    I even through in the separately-issued State Department press release:

    Nicaragua-related Designations; Issuance of Amended Russia-related General License and Associated Frequently Asked Questions

    Treasury Press Release: Treasury Sanctions Nicaraguan Officials Enabling the Murillo-Ortega Dictatorship’s Repression

    State Press Release: Sanctioning the Murillo-Ortega Dictatorship’s Agents Enforcing Its Repression of the Nicaraguan People

    Additions:

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

    OFAC Program: [NICARAGUA] Nicaragua-related Sanctions

    FLORES JIMENEZ, Johana Vanessa

    • Managua, Nicaragua
    • DOB 24 Feb 1971
    • POB Managua, Nicaragua
    • nationality Nicaragua
    • Gender Female
    • National ID No. 0012402710038N (Nicaragua)
    • Party Type: individual

    Supplemental Information: Johana Vanessa Flores Jimenez was appointed the Nicaraguan Minister of Labor in August 2025. The Ministry of Labor has exploited workers, resulting in unfair conditions of competition, confiscating property interests of domestic and foreign religious institutions and U.S. persons or businesses, and creating a high-risk environment for U.S. companies investing in Nicaragua.

    GUTIERREZ LOPEZ, Leonel Jose

    • Managua, Nicaragua
    • DOB 09 Feb 1963
    • POB Managua, Nicaragua
    • nationality Nicaragua
    • Gender Male
    • National ID No. 0010902630041C (Nicaragua)
    • Party Type: individual

    Supplemental Information: Major General of the Nicaraguan Army Leonel Jose Gutierrez Lopez headed the Nicaraguan Army’s Directorate of Military Intelligence and Counterintelligence (DICIM) for more than a decade. The DICIM is responsible for internal and external surveillance, monitoring protesters, journalists, human rights defenders, and retired military members to suppress opposition to the regime.

    MEMBRENO RIVAS, Denis

    • Managua, Nicaragua
    • DOB 16 Jul 1956
    • POB Leon, Nicaragua
    • nationality Nicaragua
    • Gender Male
    • National ID No. 2811607560007V (Nicaragua)
    • Party Type: individual

    Supplemental Information: Retired Major General Denis Membreno Rivas has served as the Director of Nicaragua’s Financial Analysis Unit (UAF) since its creation in 2012. The UAF has been weaponized by the regime to monitor inflows of money, block financing to peaceful opposition, and liquidate assets of political dissidents and NGOs.

    REYES OCHOA, Celia Margarita

    • AKA: REYES OCHOA, Celia
    • Managua, Nicaragua
    • DOB 16 Sep 1983
    • POB Matagalpa, Nicaragua
    • nationality Nicaragua
    • Gender Female
    • National ID No. 4411609830008V (Nicaragua)
    • Party Type: individual

    Supplemental Information: Celia Margarita Reyes Ochoa has been the deputy director general of the Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Postal Services (TELCOR) since 2023. TELCOR is the regulatory body for telecommunications, functioning as a central component of a broad surveillance apparatus used to monitor and control social media, intercept communications, and geolocate individuals.

    SAENZ ULLOA, Aldo Martin

    • Nindiri, Masaya, Nicaragua
    • DOB 12 Nov 1958
    • POB Chinandega, Nicaragua
    • nationality Nicaragua
    • Gender Male
    • National ID No. 0861211580003G (Nicaragua)
    • Party Type: individual

    Supplemental Information: Former Police Chief Commissioner Aldo Martin Saenz Ulloa has served as the Deputy Director of Nicaragua’s Financial Analysis Unit (UAF) since its creation in 2012. The UAF has been used to increase the regime’s capacity for political repression by persecuting political opponents under the guise of anti-money laundering and terrorism financing laws.

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