03/07/2025
Hi there,
Welcome back to The Purple Alert, your twice-monthly newsletter from Sanctions SOS, designed to help you navigate global sanctions with clarity. We share expert articles, key updates, website-exclusive content, and upcoming events to support your compliance strategy and mitigate regulatory risk.
As the 18th EU sanctions package on Russia awaits confirmation, attention has shifted toward migration-related measures, which are gaining momentum in the EU and UK. At the same time, concerns persist over Iran’s nuclear ambitions following recent military action, with diplomatic negotiations still underway in search of a resolution. Meanwhile, China has re-entered the spotlight with signs of sanctions softening, and the US has issued its first sanctions targeting fentanyl trafficking, signalling a new front in enforcement priorities.
Those were this & last week's headlines - here is what else you need to know.
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EXPERT GUIDANCE & ARTICLES
China: The Quiet Risk
Trade with China got a lot more complicated in 2025. We unpack the latest sanctions shifts, export control changes, and wider risk considerations - and why they matter for your business. [read more]
Sanctions at Sea: Flags of Convenience
As sanctions regimes grow more complex, the maritime industry finds itself under increasing scrutiny. As part of our Sanctions at Sea Series, we break down how "flags of convenience" are used to evade sanctions and what red flags businesses should look for to stay compliant. [read more]
SANCTIONS IN THE NEWS
Mexican Banks Sanctioned over Fentanyl
On 25 June 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on three Mexican financial institutions under its newly enacted fentanyl-related sanctions framework.
The US Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced that it is prohibiting certain transactions with Mexico-based CIBanco, Intercam Banco, and Vector Casa de Bolsa. These measures are the first taken under the Fentanyl Sanctions Act and the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, both designed to combat opioid trafficking.
FinCEN designated the three institutions as entities of “primary money laundering concern,” thereby enabling the US to restrict their access to the American financial system. These sanctions aim to disrupt the financial networks facilitating the trafficking of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has played a central role in the US opioid crisis for over a decade and remains the leading cause of overdose deaths. [read more]
UK Targets Human Traffickers
On 25 June 2025, it was reported that the UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, is accelerating plans to target criminals involved in trafficking migrants into the UK via small boats, through the development of a new sanctions regime.
Details emerging about the proposed regime suggest that the National Crime Agency (NCA) has already identified suspects and is prepared to target them as soon as the legislation passes through Parliament, expected before the autumn. The "Illegal Migration" sanctions regime was initially announced in January 2025, aligning with a G7 commitment to address illegal migration.
The UK government has stated that “nothing is off the table.” Existing sanctions regimes allow for UK travel bans, asset freezes, and disqualification from serving as a director of a UK company, measures that may be employed under the new policy. [read more]
China-Iran Missile Sanctions Imposed
On June 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has intensified its counter-proliferation campaign, announcing new sanctions on eight companies, one individual, and a vessel for their roles in covertly transferring dual-use machinery from China to Iran. These technologies are capable of supporting the manufacture of long-range missiles, drones, and other weapons systems.
According to OFAC, the designated entities facilitated the hidden shipment of sensitive, dual-use goods (such as electronic cutting machines and integrated circuit components) to Iran-based Rayan Roshd Afzar Company (RRA) and Towse Sanaye Nim Resanaye Tarashe, both previously linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The goods were transported aboard the SHUN KAI XING, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier now designated as blocked property, effectively barring it from U.S. jurisdiction, including ports and financial systems. [read more]
COMING SOON
Sanctions can be complex and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Our acclaimed Sanctions Compliance Masterclass can help. Register your interest today, and be the first to receive start dates, sign-up information & exclusive details. [register your interest here]
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sanctions Conference Manchester | 8-9 September | Manchester
The first dedicated sanctions & export control conference in the North-West of the UK. The conference will feature expert speakers from across the private sector, governments, academia and think-tanks. Designed by sanctions practitioners for the sanctions community, this Conference is unlike any other. [secure your ticket] [more information]
Immersive Training: Sanctions Compliance | 16 September | London
Join our flagship in-person training for a full-day, practical introduction or refresher to sanctions compliance. This course is ideal for both new and experienced professionals. The immersive elements of this training provide a unique opportunity for active engagement and immediate application of knowledge. [reserve your spot]
Immersive Training: Trade Sanctions & Export Controls | 5 November | Manchester
Join our one-day in-person course to master trade-related sanctions and export controls. Through interactive sessions and immersive scenarios, you'll learn compliance skills, licensing processes across UK, US & EU, and how to detect sanctions evasion. Perfect for anyone working in trade, export, logistics, and finance. [secure your spot]
Other
September - Webinar Series: Sanctions and the Maritime Sector
9 October - Online Masterclass: Sanctions Compliance
5 November - In-person Training: Trade Sanctions and Export Controls (Manchester)
19 November - In-person Training: Sanctions Investigations and Combating Evasion (London)
3 December - In-person Training: Sanctions Compliance (Manchester)
December - Webinar Series: 2025 - Changing landscape of CP Risks