The OverRuled: Russia Trade Controls Resource Center has been updated with the following actions:
- 16 Aug 2023 (OFAC):
On August 16, 2023, OFAC designated three entities tied to a sanctions evasion network attempting to support arms deals between Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ("DPRK"), each of which is affiliated with a Slovakian national whom OFAC designated on March 30, 2023, under DPRK-related E.O. 13551. Specifically, OFAC designated Limited Liability Company Verus, Defense Engineering Limited Liability Partnership, and Versor S.R.O. pursuant to E.O. 13551, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Ashot Mkrtychev ("Mkrtychev"), who is individual blocked pursuant to E.O. 13551. According to OFAC, Mkrtychev attempted to facilitate arms deals between Russia and the DPRK, using the three now-blocked entities, including potential plans to transfer over two dozen kinds of weapons and munitions to Russia in exchange for commercial aircraft, raw materials and commodities. Mkrytchev reportedly conducted negotiations with DPRK and Russian officials in an attempt to broker the arms deal.
- 30 Mar 2023 (OFAC):
On March 30, 2023, OFAC designated Slovakian national Ashot Mkrtychev ("Mkrtychev") pursuant to E.O. 13551, a North Korea-related authority, for having attempted to, directly or indirectly, import, export, or reexport to, into, or from North Korea any arms or related materiel. According to OFAC, Mkrtychev brokered an arms deal between North Korean and Russian officials, obtaining over two dozen kinds of weapons and munitions for Russia in exchange for commercial aircraft, raw materials and commodities. Mkrtychev additionally negotiated mutually beneficial cooperation arrangements between North Korea and Russia, including transmitting information from Russian officials to North Korean officials about financial payments and barter arrangements.
The OverRuled: China Trade Controls Resource Center has been updated with the following actions:
- 21 Aug 2023 (BIS):
BIS removed 35 persons from the Unverified List ("UVL")—27 under the PRC—because BIS was able to verify their bona fides.
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