ECOVIS welcomes you to its monthly newsletter on Sanctions, which is dedicated to everyone who wants to understand the latest trends and developments, get tips from our experts, and deepen their knowledge. We wish you a good read!
OLAF Supports Lithuania in Major EU Sanctions Evasion Probe
On April 24, 2025, OLAF confirmed its support for the Lithuanian Customs Criminal Service in a raid targeting a company suspected of bypassing EU sanctions by exporting goods to Russia and Belarus via Central Asia. Authorities seized potentially sanctioned items, weapons, and cash worth around €1.5 million. The Vilnius Regional Prosecutor’s Office leads the investigation, with OLAF providing intelligence and technical assistance. The findings may help expose similar sanction evasion routes across the EU.
Staff at financial institutions should receive regular training on identifying sanctions evasion tactics, focusing on emerging trends in financial crime and the methods used to bypass sanctions.
Third Countries Align with EU Sanctions Against Belarus over Ukraine Conflict
On April 15, 2025, the EU acknowledged that eight countries — including Albania, Norway, and Ukraine — aligned with Council Decision 2025/632, which added 25 individuals and 7 entities to sanctions over Belarus’s role in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. This move underscores a shared commitment to upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law.
EU Imposes New Sanctions on Iran Over Human Rights Abuses
On April 14, 2025, the EU sanctioned seven individuals and two entities in Iran for serious human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions and executions. The measures target senior judiciary officials, Shiraz Central Prison, and the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz, bringing the total to 232 individuals and 44 entities under EU sanctions related to Iran.
EU Sanctions Iranian Officials and Entities Over Human Rights Abuses
On April 14, 2025, the EU imposed asset freezes and travel bans on seven Iranian individuals and two entities, including Evin Prison’s head and the Shiraz Revolutionary Court, in response to arbitrary detentions and a surge in executions, including those of EU nationals, women, and minorities.
UK Imposes Sanctions on Rawa Majid and Foxtrot Network Over Iran-Linked Destabilisation Activities
On April 14, 2025, the UK designated Rawa Majid and the Foxtrot Network under its Iran sanctions regime for involvement in Iran-backed hostile activities and organised crime, imposing asset freezes and prohibiting any financial dealings with them.
U.S. Sanctions Network Facilitating Iranian Oil Shipments
On April 10, 2025, OFAC sanctioned Indian national Jugwinder Singh Brar and four entities in India, the UAE, and China for transporting Iranian petroleum products violating U.S. sanctions, under Executive Order 13902 targeting Iran’s oil sector.
U.S. Sanctions International Bank of Yemen for Terrorism Support
On April 17, 2025, OFAC sanctioned the International Bank of Yemen and three senior officials for providing financial services to the Houthi movement, a U.S.-designated terrorist group. A wind-down license allows limited transactions with the bank until May 17, 2025.
U.S. Sanctions Iranian Network for LPG Trade
On April 22, 2025, OFAC sanctioned Iranian nationals Meisam and Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh and five affiliated entities for facilitating Iran’s liquefied petroleum gas trade. The designated entities, including ARSA Gas Company and Caspian Petrochemical FZE, were added to the SDN List under Executive Order 13902, which targeted Iran’s petroleum sector.
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