USA sanctioned Sanctioning Senior Members of Longstanding Hizballah Financial Institution Al-Qard Al-Hassan (AQAH)

The United States sanctioned seven senior officials and one entity linked to Al-Qard Al-Hassan (AQAH), a Hizballah-controlled financial institution.  These officials, through their management roles, have facilitated Hizballah’s evasion of sanctions, enabling AQAH to conduct millions of dollars in transactions through “shadow” accounts. In addition to this, the Department’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program is […]

USA sanctions three Mexican financial firms over suspected links to drug cartels

The Trump administration on Wednesday restricted US banks from making transactions with three Mexican financial firms over concerns that they are laundering money for drug cartels. The sanctions – the first implemented under the Fentanyl Sanctions Act and the FEND Off Fentanyl Act – targeted Mexican banks CIBanco and Intercam Banco and the brokerage firm […]

China sanctions former Filipino lawmaker over South China Sea claims

China sanctioned a former Filipino lawmaker Tuesday over legislation that marks out the Philippines’ territorial claims in the disputed South China Seas. Francis Tolentino, who has just finished serving his term as majority leader of the Philippine Senate, is prohibited from entering China as well as the territories of Hong Kong and Macau, according to […]

Australia sanctions 37 Russian individuals

Australia’s government sanctioned pro-war Russian pop singer Shaman, along with 36 other individuals and seven companies considered strategically important for Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine. Shaman, whose real name is Yaroslav Dronov, is now subject to travel bans and asset freezes, according to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The pop star has […]

EU extends economic sanctions against Russia

The EU Council announced that the restrictive measures first imposed on Russia in 2014 due to its destabilizing actions in Ukraine have been extended until January 31, 2026. The statement reminded that EU sanctions were significantly expanded following Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022. The EU sanctions impose a wide range of restrictions on […]

US sanctions on Syria are being lifted

The White House announced that US President Donald Trump will sign an executive order that will lift sanctions on Syria. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt spoke at the daily press briefing. Leavitt, who stated that Trump will sign an executive order to end the US sanctions program on Syria as of today, said, “This is […]

New Zealand targets North Korean military support for Russia with new sanctions

Wellington accuses DPRK of helping Moscow ‘sustain its illegal war of aggression,’ pledging to hold it accountable. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced new sanctions on crucial enablers of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine. This latest round of sanctions targets actors involved in Russia’s military-industrial complex, supporters from North Korea, Iran, and Belarus, […]

US issues new Iran-related sanctions

Treasury Department will continue to degrade Iran’s ability to produce, proliferate ‘deadly weapons,’ says Treasury Secretary Bessent.  The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated one individual and eight entities, and identified one vessel as blocked property, for their involvement in the procurement and transshipment of “sensitive machinery” for Iran’s defense industry, it […]

Indonesia will sanction companies for environmental breaches at nickel industrial park

According to Bloomberg report the Indonesian Government is set to impose sanctions on companies for environmental violations at the Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), a major hub for the country’s nickel production.  The Ministry of Environment has cited issues such as poor wastewater management, air pollution and the use of unlicensed tailing areas. These sanctions will […]