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Sanctions law firm help clients navigate the intricate sanctions landscape globally. They provide timely and targeted advice and representation to their clients regarding sanctions exposure.
The international community uses sanctions to change the behavior of a country in the case where a country violates human rights, is waging war, or endangering international peace.
At Collegium of International Lawyers our Interpol Law Firm is a top sanctions law firm in London, providing expert legal advice and representation for complex sanctions cases. Our experienced lawyers specialize in international trade, financial restrictions, and compliance with economic sanctions regulations.
Collegium of International Lawyers is a top London sanctions law firm, offering comprehensive legal services for clients dealing with economic sanctions. Our skilled team of London sanctions lawyers provides tailored solutions to clients across various industries.
We are experts in international sanctions law, dedicated to providing top-quality legal services to clients dealing with sanctions-related matters.
Our team of OFAC sanctions lawyers and economic sanctions attorneys are well-versed in the regulations set forth by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and other international bodies. We assist clients in ensuring compliance with these regulations and effectively represent them in any disputes or enforcement actions.
Our expertise at Collegium of International Lawyers goes beyond the UK. Our sanctions lawyers in Iran and other jurisdictions provide comprehensive legal support for clients facing sanctions cases worldwide. We excel as top OFAC lawyers, handling cases involving economic sanctions imposed by the US, EU, and international authorities.
Interpol Law Firm, a top sanctions law firm, is committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients. We strive for the best outcomes in sanctions cases. Contact our economic sanctions lawyers in London today for expert assistance.
| Type of Sanctions | Description |
|---|---|
| Economic Sanctions | Restrict trade, investment, or financial flows between the targeted country or entity and other countries or entities. These can include import/export restrictions, asset freezes, and prohibitions on financial transactions. |
| Diplomatic Sanctions | Restrict or sever diplomatic relations between countries. These can include expelling diplomats, suspending diplomatic missions, or imposing travel bans on government officials. |
| Military Sanctions | Restrict military cooperation, training, or equipment transfers between countries. These can include arms embargoes or restrictions on the sale of military technology or equipment. |
| Humanitarian Sanctions | Restrict the provision of humanitarian aid or services to the targeted country or entity. These can include restrictions on medical supplies, food, or other humanitarian assistance. |
| Personal Sanctions | Target specific individuals, such as government officials, and may include travel bans, asset freezes, and other restrictions. These are also known as “targeted sanctions.” |
| Comprehensive Sanctions | Target an entire country or entity, and can include multiple types of sanctions. These are typically the most severe form of sanctions and can have significant impacts on the economy and population of the targeted country or entity. |
| Country | Examples of Sanctions Imposed |
|---|---|
| United States | Economic sanctions on Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, Russia, and Syria, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities deemed to be engaged in illicit activities such as terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and human rights abuses. |
| European Union | Economic sanctions on Russia, Belarus, and North Korea, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities engaged in human rights abuses, terrorism, and cyber-attacks. |
| United Kingdom | Economic sanctions on Russia, Iran, Syria, and North Korea, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption. |
| Canada | Economic sanctions on Russia, Iran, Venezuela, and Myanmar, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption. |
| Australia | Economic sanctions on Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Myanmar, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption. |
| China | Economic sanctions on North Korea and Taiwan, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in terrorism and human rights abuses. |
| Russia | Economic sanctions on the United States, European Union, Canada, and Ukraine, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities deemed to be engaged in activities that threaten Russia’s national security. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Sanctions | A set of measures taken by a government or group of governments against another country, entity or individual, in response to behavior that is considered to be a violation of international law, human rights or other norms of international behavior. Sanctions can include trade restrictions, travel bans, asset freezes, and other economic measures. |
| Sanctions Lawyer | A legal professional who specializes in advising clients on sanctions-related matters, including compliance with sanctions regimes and defending against sanctions violations. Sanctions lawyers may work for law firms, government agencies or in-house for companies subject to sanctions. |
| Compliance | Sanctions lawyers advise clients on how to comply with sanctions laws and regulations, which can be complex and vary between different jurisdictions. They may also provide training to clients on sanctions compliance and help to develop compliance policies and procedures. |
| Risk Assessment | Sanctions lawyers may conduct risk assessments to identify potential sanctions risks for their clients, such as dealing with sanctioned entities or individuals, or engaging in activities that may be prohibited under sanctions regimes. They may also advise on the potential consequences of sanctions violations, including penalties and reputational damage. |
| Investigations and Enforcement | If a client is subject to sanctions enforcement actions, sanctions lawyers may assist in conducting internal investigations to identify potential violations, and represent clients in enforcement proceedings. They may also help clients to negotiate with enforcement authorities and seek to mitigate potential penalties. |
| Policy Advocacy | Sanctions lawyers may also engage in policy advocacy, including lobbying for changes to sanctions regimes or advising governments on the development of sanctions policies. |
The specific scope of sanctions laws and regulations, and the role of sanctions lawyers, can vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of a case.
Given the frequency of sanctions worldwide, financial institutions should understand their obligations and which sanctions apply within their administration. These include:
The UN issues a comprehensive sanctions list that clearly lists the names of its worldwide sanctions targets.
UN sanctions occur in three instances: violation of international human rights laws, activities involving violence within a country’s borders, and threats to international peace. A majority vote passes these UN sanctions. However, any of its five permanent members can veto their request.
As a result, this leads to a lack of UN action. For example, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Russian government utilized the veto power and blocked all UN sanctions against it. Also, China blocked its sanction against Myanmar due to the treatment of the Rohingyas.
Upon successful imposition of the UN sanctions, the other member states enforce all the relevant measures.
The European Union implements various economic sanctions against its targets.
To enhance the EU’s democratic values, defend international law and promote global peace, the Common Foreign and Security Policy task force issues EU sanctions. EU sanctions have continued to evolve since their inception.
The EU has since introduced sanctions regimes, such as cybercrime and global human rights, that target human rights violations. The European Union also allows the blocking statute, a legal measure preventing EU individuals from adhering with third party sanctions forced by a third country.
The HM Treasury implements and enforces the sanction list in the UK.
Since leaving the EU in early 2020, the United Kingdom has continued implementing independent sanction regimes such as anti money laundering regime, human rights regime, and anti-corruption regime.
China’s economic status has grown exponentially and hence can exert global influence. Following the trade war with the US in 2019, China’s ministry of commerce, MOFCOM, announced that it would implement sanctions.
China implemented the Blocking Rules in retaliation to the US third-party sanctions that prevented Chinese companies from trading with North Korea and Iran.
The DFAT implements and enforces all sanctions for Australia.
The Australian sanctions regime reflects foreign policies and security issues, such as the Magnitsky-style law that helps address international human rights violations.
Canada’s sanctions regime matches the UN obligations with a focus on upholding human rights.
Canada is one of the largest economies in Northern America; hence, the economic sanctions influence international trade. With the recent Russian- Ukraine war, Canada has imposed Russian sanctions. Canada has also sanctioned Myanmar due to the military regime.
The Office of Financial Assets Control (OFAC) upholds many sanctions programs on behalf of the US treasury.
The US sanctions regime, under the Biden administration is one of the most influential globally. This is because the US shares many global economic, geopolitical, and security concerns with other nations. Therefore its sanction programs align with those of the UK, EU, and the UN.
In 2016, the US introduced the Magnitsky Act, which targets specific individuals or groups found to violate human rights other than involving the entire country. The Act has inspired other nations to have similar human rights sanctions regimes.
In addition to the global sanction that applies directly to US persons, the US also implements secondary sanctions against third countries, even under the Biden administration. These sanctions block third parties from doing business with targets of the US sanctions at the risk of trade restrictions with the United States.
Sanctions lawyers who are well versed with rules in international economic sanctions are best suited to help you limit the risk of sanctions. The recent Russia sanctions have left many international companies at risk of violating sanctions.
Depending on the jurisdiction of your international trade, ensure that you choose the best lawyer to help you stay updated on the ever-changing sanction rules, foreign assets control, and export controls. You must ensure that our business doesn’t violate any economic sanctions.
However, if you, unfortunately, receive administrative subpoenas, you must comply and provide all requested documentation. You have been assured a smooth process through a sanctions lawyer as you remedy the situation.
The OFAC, an agency in the US Treasury Department, undertakes the task of regulating and enforcing US economic sanctions and trade embargoes involving foreign nations and targeted individuals. The agency takes action to achieve the US's national security and foreign policy goals. OFAC's legal authority comes from different geographical areas, from executive orders to international agreements.
Sanctions enforcement by OFAC law firms involves complex and ever-changing rules and regulations. Any individuals or groups that become real or perceived threats to US economic sanctions policy or national security face sanctioning. When dealing with international commerce transactions, one must be aware of all OFAC compliance rules and regulations. Staying well-informed on all the shifting policies may be challenging, but OFAC U.S. sanctions lawyers can provide the best counsel. In addition, they can assist in specific licensing, foreign activities, or international legal needs.
The OFAC sanctions rapidly evolve and have broad prohibitions and stringent liability. Unfortunately, it's easy for an individual or an entity to violate the most up-to-date sanctions without knowing that a violation occurred. It's very difficult for those dealing with foreign nations to stay up to date with the latest OFAC sanctions. You need to contact OFAC sanctions lawyers if;
These notifications come in the form of a notice in your credit report. OFAC lawyers will provide legal advice and counseling about international business as well as assist you with the following matters:
All US citizens or those with the property under the US administration fall under the OFAC U.S sanctions. Therefore, they need to proceed with extra caution while dealing with international business matters. It's possible to avoid possible penalties, arrest, or freezing of funds and assets. First, however, you need to obtain legal counsel from reputable OFAC lawyers to keep you updated on all security controls imposed by the US.
Individuals or entities that engage in international business with blacklisted states or targeted persons may be subject to criminal penalties. In addition, individuals conducting personal transactions with friends, family members, or charities are also subject to OFAC U.S. sanctions. Willful sanctions violations will lead to criminal prosecution by the justice department. In addition, OFAC can hold a person civilly liable for the violation of the sanction, whether committed knowingly or unknowingly. Therefore, sanctions law is considered a strict liability offense.
It's now easy to know if you are doing prohibited transactions by OFAC. OFAC retains a blacklist of targeted individuals, organizations, and groups known as the SDN list. Similarly, some U.S. sanctions apply to an entire country, regardless of whether they appear on the SDN list. Due to the global ever-shifting political interests, the SDN list is always changing with new targets and creating more legal regulations and new sanctions. To be up to date with the list, you need to contact OFAC lawyers who will guide you and also guide you in name removal from the SDN list.
Political unrest in foreign states such as in Russia and Ukraine can lead to sanctions against the country once it's confirmed suitable for international trade. Then, almost without warning, foreign business affairs that are legal one day can become grounds for legal action the next day. Individuals or countries that support these nations become subject to asset freezing and denial of immigrants from entering the US. In addition, US citizens can't transact with such entities or people or take action to evade these U.S. sanctions. The OFAC sanctions laws seek to protect national security objectives and protect human rights. Some of the sanctioned countries include;
Any financial transaction or support of individuals in these countries will violate the US sanctions. Therefore, involvement of any kind calls for an audit of compliance. An OFAC enforcement lawyer may help eliminate the risks of OFAC sanction through proper licensing and compliance.
