The U.K. fined property management company Integral Concierge Services Limited 15,000 British pounds, or about $20,000, for helping a client designated under the U.K.’s Russia sanctions regime manage a residential property. The company was accused of being “unaware” of its sanctions compliance obligations and making “no attempt to educate itself on its legal obligations” after its client was sanctioned.
Russia export controls and sanctions
The use of export controls and sanctions on Russia has surged since the country's invasion of Crimea in 2014, and especially its invasion of Ukraine in in February 2022. Similar export controls and sanctions have been imposed by U.S. allies, including the EU, U.K. and Japan. The following is a listing of recent articles in Export Compliance Daily on export controls and sanctions imposed on Russia:
The Bureau of Industry and Security rejected an appeal from Alexey Sumchenko for a temporary denial order issued against him in June after an administrative law judge said BIS “successfully demonstrated” that the denial order was needed to prevent an “imminent” violation of U.S. export controls.
The U.K. added two entities to the Russia sanctions regime on Sept. 26. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation sanctioned Ocean Speedstar Solutions OPC Pvt Ltd and White Fox Ship Management FZCO for operating in the Russian energy sector, a "sector of strategic significance to the Government of Russia."
The Bureau of Industry and Security on Sept. 24 suspended the export privileges of 11 people after they were convicted of export-related offenses, including illegal shipments involving oil to China, industrial equipment to Russia and the smuggling of guns and ammunition. The suspensions took effect from the date of their convictions.
LONDON -- The EU is hoping to soon make progress on several export control initiatives, including possible updates to its restrictions over intangible technology transfers and how countries coordinate on emerging technologies, a senior European Commission trade official said this week. It’s also planning to publish a collection of detailed export licensing data as well as new guidelines for exports of cyber-surveillance items before the end of the year.
Switzerland on Sept. 23 amended the listings of six people and delisted eight others under its Russia sanctions regime. The updated or deleted listings include Russian corporate executives, business people, government officials and others. The country notably delisted former Formula One driver Nikita Mazepin, who successfully challenged his sanctions designation at the EU General Court (see 2403210019).
Export controls on American technology are helping the U.S. maintain its technological lead over foreign competitors, and the Biden administration plans to follow that blueprint for restrictions around quantum technologies, said Don Graves, deputy secretary of the Commerce Department.
Companies involved in the quantum computing, semiconductor manufacturing, additive manufacturing and other advanced technology industries covered by a recent Bureau of Industry and Security export control rule should review their compliance programs to make sure they can manage the upcoming license requirements, Gibson Dunn said in a client alert.
LONDON -- The U.K. government is pouring more resources into enforcement of its sanctions and export controls, with a particular focus on closing loopholes that may be allowing Russia to receive restricted business services or continuing to buy critical items for its military, a senior U.K. trade official said this week.
The Group of 7 nations and the EU issued a first-of-its-kind joint guidance, which aims to help companies prevent Russia-related sanctions and export control evasion. The guidance includes a list of red flags that may indicate a company is trying to evade the measures and a set of best practices for companies to follow.