The Office of Foreign Assets Control this week sanctioned a network of people and companies involved in illegal methamphetamine and fentanyl trade, including six Mexican nationals who are members of the Sinaloa Cartel. OFAC also designated six Mexico-based entities with ties to the illegal drug trade.
OFAC sanction activity
The Office of Foreign Assets Control issued new guidance this week on aid-related transactions that can be provided to Syria to help the country’s earthquake relief efforts. OFAC said it has been receiving questions from non-governmental organizations and others on how to provide aid to Syria while still complying with U.S. sanctions against the country. The guidance includes information on the Syria general license the agency issued earlier this month (see 2302100006), and addresses some frequently asked questions surrounding what activities and transactions are permitted.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control this week published previously issued general licenses under its Venezuela sanctions regime. The full text of each license appears in the notice.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control this week published previously issued general licenses under its Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations. The full text of each license appears in the notice.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control this week published previously issued general licenses under its Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations and two sets of licenses under its Venezuela sanctions program. The full text of each license appears in the respective notice.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control designated five current or former Bulgarian government officials for "extensive involvement in corruption" in Bulgaria, according to a Feb. 10 press release. OFAC also sanctioned five entities controlled by two of the targeted officials in an action that OFAC said builds on the office's 2021 designations of six Bulgarians and 64 entities (see 2106020026).
The Office of Foreign Assets Control last week issued Syria-related General License 23, which authorizes through 12:01 p.m. EDT Aug. 8 all transactions related to earthquake relief efforts in Syria that would otherwise be prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 542 (SySR). The license does not authorize importation of petroleum or petroleum products of Syrian origin into the U.S. or any transactions involving any person blocked pursuant to the SySR, other than the Syrian government. U.S. sanctions programs do not target legitimate humanitarian assistance, OFAC said.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control designated nine entities related to the production, sale and shipment of Iranian petrochemicals and petroleum to Asian buyers, including in China, according to a Feb. 9 news release.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control this week published a new Russia-related frequently asked question providing guidance on Russian securities transferring through inheritance. FAQ 1113 explains that investment prohibitions under executive orders 14066, 14068 and 14071 don't prevent securities issued by non-blocked Russian entities from transferring to their beneficiaries as long as those transfers are "part of the ordinary course administration of the decedent’s estate," don't "involve an exchange for value," and "have no other sanctions nexus." Blocked securities in an estate, however, remain blocked and require a specific license from OFAC to transfer.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control designated two MS-13 leaders in Central America for actions related to drug trafficking and contract killing, according to a Feb. 8 news release.