Mr. Sanctions

Category: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

  • June 2, 2026: OFAC Update, Part 1: Iran, Counter-Terror and DRC Sanctions Designations

    Had to wait for Claude to do its magic…

    Counter Terrorism and Iran-related Designations; Democratic Republic of the Congo-related Designations; Issuance of Iran-related Frequently Asked Question

    Treasury Press Release: Economic Fury Targets Iran’s Largest Digital Asset Exchange for Terror Finance and Sanctions Evasion

    Treasury Press Release: Treasury Sanctions Rebel Commanders Driving Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    State Press Release: Targeting Iran’s Digital Asset Exchanges for Terror Finance and Sanctions Evasion

    State Press Release: United States Sanctions Armed Group Leaders in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    In addition to the SDN list updates below, OFAC issued a new Iran-related Frequently Asked Question: FAQ 1257.

    Additions:

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

    OFAC Program: SDGT Specially Designated Global Terrorist — Designated pursuant to Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001, “Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism,” as amended by Executive Order 13886 of September 9, 2019. Administered under the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 594.

    AGHAMIR MOHAMMAD ALI, Seyed Mohammad

    • AKA:
      • AGHAMIR, Mohammad
      • KHARRAZI, Mohammad
    • Address: Tehran, Iran
    • DOB: 1992
    • Nationality: Iran
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: NOBITEX

    Supplemental Information: Seyed Mohammad Aghamir Mohammad Ali (known as Mohammad Aghamir) is a co-founder and blockchain lead at Nobitex, Iran’s largest digital asset exchange. He is a member of the Kharrazi family. OFAC designated him pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, for being a leader or official of Nobitex.

    AGHAMIR MOHAMMAD ALI, Seyed Mohammad Ali

    • AKA:
      • AGHAMIR, Ali
      • AHMAD HOSSEIN, Ali
      • KHARRAZI, Ali
    • Address: Iran
    • DOB: 23 Aug 1986
    • Nationality: Iran
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: NOBITEX

    Supplemental Information: Seyed Mohammad Ali Aghamir Mohammad Ali (known as Ali Aghamir) is a co-founder of Nobitex and a member of the Kharrazi family, which is part of former Supreme Leader Khamenei’s inner circle. OFAC designated him pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Nobitex.

    KHOEE, Seyed Ali

    • AKA: KHOUEI, Ali
    • Address: Iran
    • DOB: 02 May 1989
    • Nationality: Iran
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to: NOBITEX

    Supplemental Information: Seyed Ali Khoee is the current CEO of Nobitex and previously served as the company’s director of product and marketing. OFAC designated Khoee pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, for being a leader or official of Nobitex.

    OFAC Program: DRCONGO Democratic Republic of the Congo — Designated pursuant to Executive Order 13413, “Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” of October 27, 2006, as amended by Executive Order 13671 of July 8, 2014. Administered under the Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 547.

    KUBWAYO, Gustave

    • AKA:
      • “SIRKOFF”
      • “SIRKOOF”
    • Address: North Kivu, Congo, Democratic Republic of the
    • DOB: 1969
    • POB: Rwanda
    • Nationality: Rwanda
    • Gender: Male
    • Party Type: Individual

    Supplemental Information: Gustave Kubwayo, commonly known as “Colonel Sirkoof,” is an FDLR commander and the leader of the Commando de Recherche et d’Action en Profondeur, an FDLR intelligence and special operations unit. He also led an FDLR operational command structure in North Kivu’s Nyiragongo territory that formed in 2022, after M23 attacks forced the FDLR to geographically disperse. The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) formed in 2000 from the remnants of the ex-Rwandan Armed Forces and extremist militias that fled Rwanda following the 1994 genocide. FDLR has waged a campaign of ethnically motivated violence against civilians, including summary killings, forced recruitment of children, and sexual violence; OFAC designated the group on January 3, 2013. OFAC designated Kubwayo pursuant to E.O. 13413, as amended by E.O. 13671, for being a leader of FDLR, an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13413.

    NZENZE, John Imani

    • AKA: “IDI, Imani Nzenze”
    • Address: North Kivu, Congo, Democratic Republic of the
    • DOB: 06 Aug 1978
    • Nationality: Congo, Democratic Republic of the; alt. Rwanda
    • Citizen: Congo, Democratic Republic of the; alt. Rwanda
    • Gender: Male
    • National ID No.: 1197880137555327 (Rwanda)
    • Party Type: Individual

    Supplemental Information: John Imani Nzenze is an M23 commander and M23’s chief of intelligence. He is regarded as one of the closest collaborators and confidants of Sultani Makenga, the U.S.- and UN-sanctioned overall military commander of M23. Nzenze has been an M23 leader since the group’s first rebellion (2012–2013), when he led M23 attacks on Congolese military positions. M23 is a Rwanda-backed armed group that occupies large portions of North and South Kivu provinces in the DRC; its military campaigns have claimed thousands of civilian lives and resulted in a mass displacement crisis. OFAC designated Nzenze pursuant to E.O. 13413, as amended by E.O. 13671, for being a leader of M23, an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13413.

    OFAC Programs:

    • SDGT Specially Designated Global Terrorist — Designated pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886. Administered under the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 594.
    • IRAN-EO13902 Iran – Executive Order 13902 — Designated pursuant to Executive Order 13902, “Imposing Sanctions With Respect to Additional Sectors of Iran,” of January 10, 2020, targeting persons operating in the construction, mining, manufacturing, textiles, financial, or other sectors of the Iranian economy as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.

    RAD, Amir Hossein

    • AKA:
      • RAD, Amir
      • RAD, Amirhossein
    • Address: Qazvin, Iran
    • DOB: 21 Mar 1986
    • Nationality: Iran
    • Email Address: radamir@gmail.com
    • alt. Email Address: arad@nobitex.ir
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Gender: Male
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Phone Number: 989121810513
    • National ID No.: 4324461872 (Iran)
    • Party Type: Individual

    Supplemental Information: Amir Hossein Rad is Nobitex’s chairman, co-founder, and former CEO. In June 2025, he helped Nobitex reconstitute its operations following a $90 million hack of the company on June 18, 2025; the company had previously enabled the Iranian regime to evade sanctions and transfer wealth out of the country. OFAC designated Rad pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, for being a leader or official of Nobitex, and pursuant to Executive Order 13902 for operating in the financial sector of the Iranian economy.

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

    OFAC Programs:

    • IRAN Iran Sanctions — Persons designated pursuant to various Iran-related executive orders and statutory authorities. Administered in part under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 560.
    • IRAN-EO13902 Iran – Executive Order 13902 — Designated pursuant to Executive Order 13902, “Imposing Sanctions With Respect to Additional Sectors of Iran,” of January 10, 2020, targeting persons operating in the construction, mining, manufacturing, textiles, financial, or other sectors of the Iranian economy.

    BITPIN

    • AKA: SANA AYMAN MUBADALA
    • Address: Unit 2, Floor 1, Viana (Alizadeh) Trade Complex Building No. 42, Shahid Fatehi Blvd., Sharghayegh Alley, Anzali Free Zone, Bandar Anzali, Gilan 4333155170, Iran
    • Website: bitpin.ir
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Organization Established Date: 2020
    • Organization Type: Financial and Insurance Activities
    • Company Number: 14009960142 (Iran)

    Supplemental Information: Bitpin is an Iranian digital asset exchange that received 10 percent of all Iranian digital asset inflows in 2025. It has processed millions of dollars in transactions, including transactions linked to the IRGC. Bitpin’s investors have reportedly been linked to Iranian efforts to evade U.S. sanctions. OFAC designated Bitpin pursuant to Executive Order 13902 for operating in the financial sector of the Iranian economy.

    RAMZINEX

    • AKA: RAMZINEH ELECTRONIC COMMERCE INNOVATION COMPANY
    • Address: Unit 901, 9th Floor, Sharif Technology Tower, No. 28, Shahid Hamid Salahi Blvd, Azadeh Street, Timori, Tehran, Iran
    • Website: https://ramzinex.com/
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Organization Established Date: 2018
    • Organization Type: Financial and Insurance Activities
    • Company Number: 14009372096 (Iran)

    Supplemental Information: Ramzinex is a digital asset exchange based in Tehran, founded in 2018. It has processed over $2.45 billion in transactions, including transactions linked to the IRGC and a financial institution backed by the Iranian government, and has been used for sanctions evasion. OFAC designated Ramzinex pursuant to Executive Order 13902 for operating in the financial sector of the Iranian economy.

    WALLEX

    • AKA:
      • KHALGH SARVAT SARZAMIN PARSEH
      • KHALQ THARWAT SARZAMIN PARSEH COMPANY
    • Address: North Unit, Fourth Floor, No. 231, Mirzai Shirazi Street, Shahoda Street, Abbasabad-Andisheh, Tehran 1586753411, Iran
    • Website: https://wallex.ir/
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Organization Established Date: 2019
    • Organization Type: Financial and Insurance Activities
    • Company Number: 14010030821 (Iran)

    Supplemental Information: Wallex is Iran’s second-largest digital asset exchange by volume and received 12 percent of all Iranian digital asset inflows in 2025. It has facilitated numerous transactions linked to the IRGC. OFAC designated Wallex pursuant to Executive Order 13902 for operating in the financial sector of the Iranian economy.

    OFAC Programs:

    • IRAN Iran Sanctions — Persons designated pursuant to various Iran-related executive orders and statutory authorities. Administered in part under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 560.
    • SDGT Specially Designated Global Terrorist — Designated pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886. Administered under the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 594.
    • IRAN-EO13902 Iran – Executive Order 13902 — Designated pursuant to Executive Order 13902, “Imposing Sanctions With Respect to Additional Sectors of Iran,” of January 10, 2020, targeting persons operating in the construction, mining, manufacturing, textiles, financial, or other sectors of the Iranian economy.

    NOBITEX

    • AKA: RAHKAR FANAVARI NOOYAN
    • Address: Unit 1002, Floor 10, Sharif Technology Tower, Akbari Corner, Salehi Boulevard, Tarasht, Tehran, Iran
    • Website: nobitex.ir
    • Additional Sanctions Information: Subject to Secondary Sanctions
    • Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886
    • Organization Type: Financial and Insurance Activities
    • Company Number: 1400769571 (Iran)

    Supplemental Information: Nobitex is Iran’s largest digital asset exchange. In 2025, it processed more than 50 percent of all Iranian digital asset inflows, facilitating payments tied to Iran’s terrorist activities, sanctions evasion efforts, and IRGC-linked transactions, including transactions for wallets associated with IRGC-affiliated ransomware actors. Nobitex helped the Central Bank of Iran access hundreds of millions of dollars in stablecoins used to prop up the plummeting value of the Iranian rial, while enabling regime insiders to access international digital asset exchanges and evade sanctions across multiple jurisdictions. Two of Nobitex’s co-founders are close associates of former Supreme Leader Khamenei’s family. Nobitex also reportedly enables the Iranian government to conduct warrantless surveillance of Iranian civilians. Following the commencement of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Nobitex played a role in protecting and moving assets and funds out of the country to shield regime wealth, even during internet blackouts. OFAC designated Nobitex pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, for materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, or technological support to the IRGC, and pursuant to Executive Order 13902 for operating in the financial sector of the Iranian economy.

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  • April 30, 2026: OFAC adds 1 to DRC program

    Democratic Republic of the Congo-related Designation

    Treasury Press Release: Treasury Sanctions Former Democratic Republic of the Congo President for Ties to Armed Conflict

    State Press Release: U.S. Sanctions on Former DRC President for Support of Armed Group

    Additions:

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

    OFAC Program: DRCONGO Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. 547

    KABILA, Joseph Kabange

    • Address: Goma, Congo, Democratic Republic of the
    • DOB: 04 Jun 1971
    • POB: South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    • Nationality: Congo, Democratic Republic of the
    • Gender: Male
    • Former President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
    • Party Type: Individual
    • Linked to:
      • M23
      • CONGO RIVER ALLIANCE

    Supplemental Information: Joseph Kabila served as President of the DRC from 2001 to 2019. Although his second term was scheduled to conclude in 2016, he extended his time in office for more than two years by unconstitutionally delaying elections. In 2025, he traveled to Goma, DRC, where he has lived under the protection of M23. Kabila has provided financial support to the AFC (Alliance Fleuve Congo, the Congo River Alliance) in order to influence the political situation in eastern DRC, and has encouraged FARDC troops to defect and join AFC forces. He also sought to launch attacks from outside DRC on FARDC in eastern DRC, though that effort was unsuccessful. Kabila has additionally worked to install a candidate opposed to the current DRC president with the intent to regain influence over the government. He was designated pursuant to E.O. 13413, as amended by E.O. 13671, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, M23 and AFC. M23 is a Rwanda-backed armed group in eastern DRC, and AFC acts as M23’s political-military coalition seeking to topple the DRC government. This action supports the U.S.-brokered Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity signed by the DRC and Rwandan heads of state on December 4, 2025.

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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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  • March 2, 2026: The General License half of today’s OFAC release

    Today, OFAC issued its very first General License under the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sanctions program – General License 1:

    drc_gl1Download

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  • March 2, 2026: The Designation half of today’s OFAC release

    Democratic Republic of the Congo-related Designations; Issuance of Associated General License

    Treasury Press Release: Treasury Sanctions Rwanda Officials, Condemns Blatant Violations of Washington Peace Accords

    State Press Release: Sanctioning Rwandan Violators of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity

    Additions:

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

    OFAC Program: [DRCONGO] Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 547; Executive Order 13413; Executive Order 13671.

    GASHUGI, Stanislas

    • Address: Kigali, Rwanda
    • DOB: 03 Mar 1973
    • POB: Burundi
    • Nationality: Rwanda
    • Gender: Male
    • National ID No.: 1197380088990106 (Rwanda)
    • Party Type: individual

    Supplemental Information: Stanislas Gashugi is a senior officer within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). According to the U.S. Department of State, he is being sanctioned for providing direct operational support to the March 23 Movement (M23), a U.S.- and UN-sanctioned rebel group. This support facilitated M23’s capture of the Congolese city of Uvira in December 2025, a direct violation of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity signed on December 4, 2025.

    KARUSISI, Ruki

    • Address: Kigali, Rwanda
    • DOB: 05 Jun 1974
    • POB: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    • Nationality: Rwanda
    • Gender: Male
    • Party Type: individual

    Supplemental Information: Ruki Karusisi serves as a senior leader within the Rwanda Defence Force. He is designated for his role in RDF operations that provided backing to M23 fighters in eastern DRC. The U.S. government identifies this support as a key factor enabling M23 to seize sovereign Congolese territory and engage in human rights abuses, including summary executions and violence against civilians.

    MUGANGA, Mubarakh

    • AKA: * MK MUBARKH
    • Address: Rugando, Kigali, Rwanda
    • DOB: 26 Jun 1967
    • POB: Kampala, Uganda
    • Nationality: Rwanda
    • Gender: Male
    • Passport: PD100862 (Rwanda) expires 19 Aug 2026
    • National ID No.: 1196780016764179 (Rwanda)
    • Party Type: individual

    Supplemental Information: Mubarakh Muganga is a high-ranking official in the Rwanda Defence Force. His designation follows findings by the U.S. Treasury and State Departments that RDF senior leadership continued to support M23 despite the historic peace agreement signed by Presidents Trump, Tshisekedi, and Kagame. The action reflects a policy of maximum pressure to ensure all parties deliver on the promises of the Washington Accords.

    NYAKARUNDI, Vincent

    • Address: Kigali, Rwanda
    • DOB: 05 Nov 1969
    • POB: Cikitoke, Burundi
    • Nationality: Rwanda
    • Gender: Male
    • Party Type: individual

    Supplemental Information: Vincent Nyakarundi is a senior RDF officer sanctioned for his involvement in military activities supporting M23. These activities are cited as clear violations of the December 2025 Washington Accords. The U.S. Department of State noted that the RDF’s continued backing of M23 has destabilized the Great Lakes region and led to horrific human rights abuses against women and children.

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

    OFAC Program: [DRCONGO] Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 547; Executive Order 13413; Executive Order 13671.

    RWANDA DEFENCE FORCE

    • AKA: RDF
    • Address: Ministry of Defence, KG 1 Roundabout, Kigali, Rwanda
    • Website: https://www.mod.gov.rw/rdf/overview
    • Organization Established Date: Jul 2002
    • Organization Type: Defense activities
    • Target Type: Government Entity

    Supplemental Information: The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is the national military of Rwanda. It is being designated for its direct operational support to the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. This support led to the capture of the city of Uvira shortly after the signing of the Washington Accords. In conjunction with this listing, OFAC issued DRC-related General License 1, which authorizes a wind-down period for transactions involving the RDF to mitigate unintended economic impacts while maintaining pressure on the institution’s leadership.

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  • January 13, 2026: SECO updates to Congo, Russia, Venezuela programs

    So, it turns out that Gemini cannot process formatting in a PDF – like the underlining or strike-through formatting in SECO listings… while there are workarounds, they rely on a lot of manual manipulation of the data in the PDF.

    So, I’ll display the PDFs of the delta files (they call them that – it’s in the file name), and list all the other components, such as the sanctions program page and the FINMA notice. Just in case it wasn’t obvious, for changed records, underlined text is new information, and text with strike-through formatting is information being deleted.

    So, the Swiss sanctions program for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has updates to 3 individual listings:

    Kongo_Delta_2026-01-12Download

    The Swiss Russia program has added individuals, entities and cargo vessels (listed as “Objects”), plus a bunch of amended listings:

    Situation in der Ukraine Delta 2026-01-12Download

    The Swiss Venezuela program has amended 4 individual designations:

    Venezuela_Delta_2026-01-12Download

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