The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), an agency of the United States Department of Treasury, is intensifying its efforts to crack down on evasion of economic sanctions imposed on Russia. OFAC is specifically targeting the “intermediaries” involved in illicit trades with Russia. This development comes as part of the ongoing efforts to enforce economic sanctions that have been imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries.

Growing Concerns over Evasion of Economic Sanctions

With concerns mounting over the effectiveness of economic sanctions on Russia, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has shifted its attention towards the intermediaries involved in sanctioned trades. The move reflects the agency’s determination to combat the issue of evasion and ensure the sanctions are strictly enforced.

These economic sanctions, imposed by the United States and other nations, aim to put pressure on Russia for its actions in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine, as well as for its alleged interference in various elections, including the 2016 U.S. Presidential election. However, despite the initial impact of the sanctions, concerns have arisen regarding their effectiveness due to an increasing number of intermediaries facilitating trade with Russia.

The role of these intermediaries has come under scrutiny as they often play a critical role in enabling sanctioned transactions to occur. By targeting these intermediaries, OFAC aims to disrupt the illicit networks that allow entities and individuals to evade the sanctions, thereby undermining their intended purpose.

While OFAC has not provided specific details regarding the actions it will take against these intermediaries, the agency’s intensified focus on curtailing illicit trades with Russia underscores the determination of the United States to uphold its stance against Russian actions. It also serves as a warning to those involved in sanctioned transactions that their activities will be meticulously examined and countered.

Summary:

1. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) intensifies efforts to crack down on evasion of economic sanctions imposed on Russia.
2. OFAC is specifically targeting the “intermediaries” involved in illicit trades with Russia.
3. Economic sanctions aim to pressure Russia for its actions in Crimea, Eastern Ukraine, and alleged election interference.
4. Concerns have arisen over the effectiveness of economic sanctions due to increasing numbers of intermediaries involved in facilitated trade.
5. OFAC aims to disrupt illicit networks and undermine the intended purpose of the sanctions.
6. Specific actions against intermediaries have not been disclosed, but the intensified focus demonstrates the United States’ determination to counter Russian actions.

Source: Reuters