In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine territories, the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, respectively, (hereinafter “DNR” and “LNR”), yesterday, on February 21, 2022, President Biden issued a new Executive Order targeting the DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine with comprehensive sanctions.[1] In practical effect, the new sanctions impose an embargo similar to that imposed against the Region of Crimea after Russia annexed the...

Well, we are still waiting for the “big” FCPA enforcement actions.  Do not get me wrong – they are coming.  My suspicion is that they are being held up and calculated with a splash to announce the results of the White House’s Global Anti-Corruption Memorandum focusing on the anti-corruption effort as a national security priority.  The landscape is ready for a splash and DOJ is...

There are lots of life lessons to apply from Greek Mythology. The classic character Sisyphus, who was punished by Zeus for his trickery and condemned for eternity to push a large boulder up a hill, reminds us of the consequences of punishment and the frustration from repetitive failure. How does this apply to trade sanctions compliance?  Bear with me here as I make the leap...

In a precedent-setting agreement, the Justice Department, OFAC and the Bureau of Industry Security announced a settlement with SAP SE for more than $8 million for numerous violations of the Iran Sanctions program. While the Justice Department’s National Security Division (“NSD”) has settled prior export control and sanctions cases against corporations for violations of the North Korea Sanctions program, the SAP case is the first...

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC)continues to pile up sanctions enforcement actions.  As the Biden Administration slowly takes over the reins of the Department of Treasury, OFAC enforcement is likely to increase.  Companies should expect more and complex sanctions, including anticipated strict sanctions against Russia for election interference.  OFAC’s mission and enforcement profile will increase.  At the same time, individual liability is...