17/07/2025
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, and upcoming events to support your compliance strategy and mitigate regulatory risk.
OFAC targeted Iran’s shadow banking network, settled with Harman International over Iran violations, and sanctioned North Korean cyber operatives and Russian enablers. The UK imposed new measures on Russian chemical executives tied to chemical weapons, while Russia’s vodka industry and China trade volumes show increasing economic strain. Serbia seeks another U.S. waiver to maintain Russian energy ties, and Iran threatens retaliation after renewed UN nuclear sanctions - highlighting the growing reach and impact of global sanctions regimes.
That covers the top headlines - here’s what else you need to know.
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EXPERT GUIDANCE & ARTICLES
Sanctions at Sea: AIS Manipulation
AIS manipulation has become a key tactic in maritime sanctions evasion, drawing heightened scrutiny from global regulators, especially following the Russian oil price cap enforcement. We unpack how AIS data can be falsified or disabled, when that might signal illicit activity, and what operators can do to mitigate risk. [read more]
From Formality to Strategy - The Power of a Dynamic EWRA
Tick-box sanctions compliance is no longer enough - regulators now demand a dynamic, risk-based Enterprise-Wide Risk Assessment (EWRA) that evolves with your business. We explore how a strategic EWRA can protect your organisation from costly penalties and reputational damage, with real-world examples and practical guidance to get you started. [read more]
SANCTIONS IN THE NEWS
UK Hits Russian Weapons Chiefs
On 7 July 2025, the UK imposed sanctions on two Russian individuals and one Russian entity for their roles in the transfer and use of chemical weapons in Ukraine.
Aleksey Viktorovich Rtishchev, head of Russia’s radiological, chemical, and biological defence troops, and his deputy Andrei Marchenko have both been sanctioned with asset freezes and travel bans. The UK Government cited their involvement in the deployment of chemical weapons during the conflict.
Additionally, the Joint Stock Company Federal Scientific and Production Centre Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry has been sanctioned for supplying RG-Vo riot control agent grenades to the Russian military. The UK Government stated these weapons have been deployed as a method of warfare in Ukraine, violating the Chemical Weapons Convention. [read more]
US Targets North Korean IT Workers
On 8 July 2025, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on North Korean IT workers for generating revenue for the regime through covert employment schemes.
OFAC sanctioned Song Kum Hyok, described as a malicious cyber actor linked to the DPRK Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB) hacking group Andariel. According to the US, Song facilitated a scheme in which IT workers, often North Korean nationals based in countries like China and Russia, were provided with false identities to gain employment at unsuspecting companies. Some reportedly introduced malware to exploit company systems.
“Today’s action underscores the importance of vigilance on the DPRK’s continued efforts to clandestinely fund its WMD and ballistic missile programs,” said Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender. “Treasury remains committed to using all available tools to disrupt the Kim regime’s efforts to circumvent sanctions through digital asset theft, impersonation of Americans, and cyberattacks.” [read more]
US Sanctions Cuba on Protest Anniversary
On 12 July 2025, the United States announced the government was sanctioning Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other top officials in the state for human rights violations and restricting access to US visas for those sanctioned, on the anniversary of the biggest recent protests on the island which happened in July 2021.
The protests developed on July 11 and 12 2021, in response to the Cuban economic crisis. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X (formerly Twitter), that the US State Department would impose visa restrictions on Cuban judicial and prison officials “responsible for, or complicit in, the unjust detention and torture of the July 2021 protesters.”
Rubio added, “The US will continue to stand for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Cuba, and make clear no illegitimate, dictatorial regimes are welcome in our hemisphere. [read more]
SANCTIONS COMPLIANCE ONLINE MASTERCLASS
Sanctions are complex and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be that way. No more second-guessing frameworks or red flags. This course brings clarity.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Webinar: DPRK - All Quiet on the Korean Peninsular? | 7 August, 14:00 BST | Online
While much of the spotlight remains on Russia and Iran, North Korea continues to present serious and under-recognised risks. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are far from quiet, with wide-ranging implications. In this Sanctions SOS webinar, we’ll examine the latest developments and explore how to manage emerging threats. [register here]
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]
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