The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) recently announced its decision to impose sanctions on 13 entities and two individuals operating in the financial services and technology sectors of the Russian economy. These sanctions target companies that develop or offer services in virtual assets that facilitate the evasion of US sanctions. This action reflects the Treasury Department’s ongoing efforts to disrupt entities aiding in the evasion of sanctions imposed on Russia.
Sanctioned Entities and Individuals
Five entities were designated for being owned or controlled by OFAC-designated persons. The sanctioned companies include Moscow-based fintech firms such as B-Crypto, Masterchain, Laitkhaus, and Atomaiz, which have provided services to Russian banks like Rosbank, VTB Bank, Sberbank, and Sovcombank. Moreover, Tokentrust Holdings Ltd., based in Cyprus, and companies like Veb3 Tekhnologii, Veb3 Integrator, and TOEP, operating in the technology and fintech sectors, were also targeted. Bitpapa and Crypto Explorer, virtual currency exchanges conducting transactions with OFAC-designated Russian entities, were among those sanctioned.
The sanctions aim to disrupt Russia’s use of alternative payment mechanisms and financial technology entities to evade sanctions and continue funding its war against Ukraine. The Treasury Department has warned foreign financial institutions about the risks of conducting significant transactions involving Russia’s military-industrial base. By targeting companies servicing Russia’s core financial infrastructure, the US seeks to limit Russia’s access to the international financial system and curb its ability to fund military activities.
Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian E. Nelson, emphasized the importance of exposing and disrupting companies that assist sanctioned Russian financial institutions in connecting to the global financial system. As Russia continues to develop new tactics to evade sanctions, the Treasury remains committed to monitoring and responding to these evolving strategies. The ultimate goal is to uphold the integrity of the international financial system and pressure Russia to change its behavior.
The recent sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department reflect a strategic effort to target entities operating in the Russian financial and technology sectors that facilitate the evasion of US sanctions. By disrupting Russia’s access to the international financial system and curtailing its ability to fund military activities, the US aims to hold Russia accountable for its actions. As the Treasury continues to monitor and respond to sanctions evasion tactics, it underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of the global financial system.