The Office of Foreign Assets Control is transitioning to a new online compliance hotline platform that it said will allow the agency to more efficiently respond to sanctions-related requests and questions from the public. Users can now submit queries directly through the OFAC Compliance Hotline page, the agency announced Aug. 2, which will help the “tracking of queries and help OFAC assess when additional public guidance may be helpful.” The agency said it plans to retire its current compliance hotline email adress on Aug. 16 and phone number on Dec. 31, and will fully transition to the online portal starting Jan. 1.
Companies should generally lean toward disclosing serious violations to the government -- especially those that involve national security issues -- even if there’s almost no chance the violation will be discovered, lawyers said last week.
The European Commission last week released a set of updated frequently asked questions on its Russia-related sanctions, offering guidance on how it treats "partner countries" in the context of its iron and steel restrictions and export controls.
Jordan Goudreau of Melbourne, Florida, and Yacsy Alvarez of Tampa were charged with conspiracy to violate export laws, smuggling goods from the U.S., violating the Arms Export Control Act and violating the Export Control Reform Act, DOJ announced. The pair allegedly conspired with others to ship "AR-type firearms, night vision devices, laser sights and other equipment" from the U.S. to Colombia.
A U.S. digital assets company and a European aerospace firm recently disclosed in financial statements that they're under investigation for possible violations of sanctions or export control laws, while an American entertainment company revealed it submitted a sanctions disclosure to the U.S. government.
Erik Woodhouse left his position at the State Department as deputy assistant secretary for counter threat finance and sanctions, he announced on LinkedIn July 30. Woodhouse, who was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve in the role (see 2309050090), led the State Department's Office of Sanctions Coordination. He said he’s now “taking a break and planning my next move” after working for the agency since 2021.
The Bureau of Industry and Security is extending the public comment period for an information collection relating to statements required under certain exports by the ultimate consignee and purchaser (see 2403220011). The collection involves Form BIS-711, which provides information on the foreign importer receiving U.S. technology, describes how the technology will be used and “provides assurances” that the technology will not be used in violation of the Export Administration Regulations. BIS is allowing for an additional 30 days of comments.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., introduced several bills this week targeting human rights violations and foreign investment by China.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., introduced a bill this week aimed at countering the use of alternative financial systems by China, Russia and other "countries of concern" to evade U.S. sanctions.
The U.N. Security Council should urge member states to bolster their sanctions enforcement against terrorist financing, a U.N. body said in a recent report, warning that terrorist groups are increasingly using cryptocurrencies and 3D printing to either evade restrictions or make their own weapons.