Sanctions Lawyers
In global business, the rules of the game are set by international organizations and government agencies. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand how to avoid the pitfalls set by economic sanctions regimes and export restrictions. Faced with international sanctions restricting your business or financial transactions? Our law firm is ready to provide comprehensive legal support.
We analyze risks, develop effective sanctions compliance strategies, and interact with regulatory authorities to protect your interests and minimize possible losses. Our team of sanctions lawyers will help you navigate this complex legal landscape, ensure you comply with applicable regulations, and avoid serious consequences.
What is Sanctions Legislation?
Sanctions legislation is a set of legal norms governing the introduction and application of restrictive measures against states, organizations, or individuals to protect national interests, maintain international security, and ensure law and order in the international arena.
Such measures can be introduced by both individual states and supranational organizations and have a significant impact on the global economy and politics.
Key goals of sanctions law:
- Protection of national interests. Sanctions are aimed at suppressing actions that are perceived as a threat to national security, the economy, or foreign policy interests;
- Fighting international threats. States and organizations use sanctions to counter-terrorism, human trafficking, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and interference in the internal affairs of other states;
- Enforcement of compliance with international standards. The sanctions mechanism makes it possible to put pressure on those who violate internationally recognized principles and agreements, stimulating them to comply with generally accepted standards of behavior;
- Protection of human rights. Sanctions may be imposed to punish or restrain powerful individuals involved in corruption, mass repression, or other gross violations of human rights.
Sanctions can be applied in the primary form, or export controls can be imposed in response to specific actions. Secondary sanctions apply to all individuals and legal entities indirectly or potentially associated with entities already subject to sanctions. In this way, it is possible to expand the circle of persons to whom restrictions may apply to the highest risk level.
Scope of sanctions law:
- Economic restrictions: blocking of assets, bank accounts, and other financial instruments, bans or restrictions on exports and imports, limits on investments in certain sectors of the economy;
- Financial sector: bans on transactions in foreign currency, access to loans, placement of securities and other financial services, restrictions on cooperation with sanctioned banks;
- Visa and migration restrictions: refusal to issue visas and entry permits to specific persons involved in illegal activities, ban on crossing the border in states supporting the sanctions regime;
- Defense sector: An embargo on the supply of weapons, military equipment, and dual-use technologies, control over the export of high-tech goods that can be used to strengthen military potential;
- Political restrictions: termination of diplomatic relations, freezing of participation in joint projects and international organizations, application of the SDN List to specific officials and politicians or entrepreneurs.
What are Export Controls?
Export controls are a set of legal rules and procedures that regulate the export of goods, technology, software, and services from one country to another.
The main purpose of export controls is to protect national security, prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and ensure compliance with international obligations and sanctions regimes. Export controls play a key role in international trade because they allow states to balance the interests of security and freedom of economic relations.
Export controls typically apply to a wide range of goods, including military goods, dual-use goods (can be used for both civilian and military purposes), advanced technology, and classified data.
Export control consists of several key stages. To begin with, goods and technologies are checked for inclusion in export control lists. Determines whether they are classified as dual-use, military items, or other restricted items. If the item is listed as restricted, a special license or permit will be required.
The next step is to identify the recipient and end use. It is necessary to screen counterparties to check whether the end user is on sanctions lists. This allows you to ensure that the product will not be used for military purposes or to create weapons of mass destruction.
If necessary, you will need to obtain a sales license. To do this, you need to provide a detailed description of the product, technical characteristics, transit countries,and a justification for the need for export, including a description of all compliance measures. If the decision is positive, an export license is issued, valid within the established conditions.
International Sanctions Regimes
There are several main international sanctions regimes that play a major role in regulating global politics and economics:
- UN sanctions. Implemented by the United Nations through the 15-member Security Council. The goal is to maintain international peace and security, suppress acts of aggression, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and serious violations of human rights. All UN member states are obliged to comply with Security Council decisions on restrictive measures;
- European Union sanctions. Introduced by the Council of the EU on a proposal from the European External Action Service and the European Commission. The goal is the prevention and resolution of conflicts, the fight against terrorism, and other goals of the EU’s common foreign policy. Decisions on sanctions are made unanimously, and all EU member states are obliged to strictly follow them. Most often, restrictions are applied in the form of economic restrictions, embargoes on exports and imports, asset freezes, and visa bans;
- US sanctions. Implemented by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The goal is to protect the national security of the United States and its economic interests. The Office of Foreign Assets Control oversees 38 major sanctions programs targeting states, terrorist organizations, arms trafficking, cybercrime, and human rights violations;
- United Kingdom Sanctions (OFSI). Introduced by the UK authorities based on the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act (SAMLA). Financial restrictions include freezing of funds and freezing of assets. The UK also actively uses trade restrictions: an embargo on the export of dual-use goods to Iran and a ban on the supply of aviation products to Russia.
Why Do Clients Choose Our Sanctions Lawyers?
Economic sanctions law is highly complex and constantly changes, which can instantly affect a client’s business or personal assets. This is why the support of experienced lawyers who can assess risks and protect your interests in the international arena on time is so important. Interpol-Stop is a team of professionals with many years of experience working with global sanctions regimes, which is ready to provide you with comprehensive legal assistance.
We specialize in sanctions law and have many years of experience working with international bodies regulating the imposition and enforcement of sanctions. Our sanctions law firm has been involved in high-profile cases, helping clients find legal solutions and achieve the lifting or easing of restrictive measures.
Our team promptly responds to any legislative changes and informs clients about potential threats, helping to adapt the business model or personal assets to new conditions. This approach prevents unexpected costs, fines, and lawsuits.
Each client’s request is unique: from the specifics of the company and industry nuances to geopolitical factors. Our team analyzes a specific case in detail, identifies potential threats, and develops a personalized protection strategy. We strive to ensure that the proposed solutions best suit the client’s goals and priorities.
Our Sanctions Defense Practice
International sanctions can have a significant impact on your business, financial transactions, and personal assets. Our economic sanctions lawyers have extensive experience in the field of financial sanctions implementation and provides comprehensive support to clients around the world.
Let’s consider the main areas of our practice, each of which is aimed at timely resolution of emerging problems, compliance with international standards, and prevention of serious financial and legal risks.
Release of blocked funds
We begin our sanctions compliance work with a detailed analysis of the reasons and legal basis for blocking assets. This may be due to sanctions lists, court decisions, or suspected violations of anti-money laundering laws.
Our team conducts a comprehensive audit of financial transactions, identifying whether they comply with the requirements of various regulatory authorities. We identify weaknesses in the client’s compliance policy and propose adjustments to prevent relapse.
To successfully remove the blocking, it is necessary to collect documents confirming the legal origin of the funds. We coordinate work with banks, financial institutions, and government agencies to argue for the client’s right to unblock.
If unblocking directly is not possible, we develop alternative approaches: asset restructuring transactions, redirection of funds to other jurisdictions, or agreements with partners. In case of refusal, we analyze the reasons for the decision and prepare appeals, taking into account legal norms and judicial precedents.
As a result, our clients typically either regain control of their funds or significantly mitigate the impact of the lock-up, avoiding long-term losses.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance
Experienced specialists review the client’s existing compliance system to identify weaknesses in KYC procedures, transaction monitoring, and reporting.
Our team draws up a package of policies that comply with national and international regulations. We implement a set of rules that take into account the specifics of the industry, transaction volumes, and geographic coverage of the client.
Together with IT specialists, we propose to implement screening technologies for the timely identification of suspicious transactions and tracking transactions in real-time.
Any AML program needs periodic verification. We offer clients to carry out regular audits and adjust policies depending on new regulatory requirements.
Our attorneys represent clients during inspections by financial regulators and law enforcement agencies and coordinate responses to inquiries and audits.
OFAC Lawyers
We evaluate clients’ business processes, check counterparties for presence on sanctions lists, and provide recommendations on how to eliminate violations as quickly as possible.
If a client’s activities are subject to restrictions, we help obtain special or general licenses that permit certain transactions under OFAC supervision. In the event of an OFAC sanctions investigation or complaint, we defend clients in negotiations, seeking to minimize penalties or criminal risks.
SEC Compliance Lawyers and Advocates
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforces securities laws, stopping fraudulent schemes and protecting investors.
Our specialists analyze reporting and disclosure of information to eliminate violations in the field of IPOs, placements of shares, and other securities. We assist in the preparation of registration documents and prospectuses for public offerings on stock exchanges, taking into account all SEC requirements.
In case of suspicion of insider trading, market manipulation, or false reporting, we represent the client at interrogations and hearings, using expert arguments. Joint work with accounting and financial control specialists helps to timely detect errors in reporting and avoid fines.
CFTC Investigations and Compliance Lawyers
We investigate whether transactions in futures, options, and other instruments comply with CFTC regulations, identifying potential violations. Interpol-Stop lawyers defend clients against allegations of market manipulation, illegal use of inside information, or intentional price distortion.
Together with the client’s accounting service, we create control mechanisms to prevent uncontrolled transactions and fraud. If the CFTC initiates an investigation into a company or individual, we mediate and provide the appropriate defense.
If there is the slightest suspicion of violations, our lawyers help clients voluntarily disclose information and minimize risks. In the event of a dispute reaching the court, we conduct the process based on precedents and deep knowledge of the legislative framework.
Protection from IRS Collections
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may seek to collect debts from foreign companies and individuals. Our attorneys offer analysis and strategy to resolve claims. We examine tax notices, decisions on payment of arrears and fines, and check the correctness of calculations.
In some cases, it is possible to reach compromise solutions (Offer in Compromise) to reduce the amount of debt or agree on restructuring. If the case goes to trial, our specialists represent the client using tax and international experience to reduce or eliminate the penalty.
We help structure the client’s assets so as to minimize losses from sudden collection by the IRS. A preliminary audit helps to identify possible problems and adjust policies in advance to avoid claims from tax authorities.
Serious Fraud Office (SFO) Lawyer
Our lawyers help the company assess the risks taking into account British law, preventing the opening of criminal cases by the SFO. If an investigation has already begun, we develop a set of cooperation or protection measures based on the client’s goals.
In case of unlawful actions of the SFO, we will appeal the issued court orders, protecting the legitimate interests of the client. If the case comes to court, we defend the client using all legal instruments, involving economic and financial experts.
Even after the case is completed, we continue to accompany the client, helping to build new business processes in accordance with SFO recommendations.
Terrorist Financing Defense (CFT)
Counter Financing of Terrorism is becoming tougher at the international level. We monitor current FATF standards and national laws. Interpol-Stop attorneys help companies and financial institutions review payment chains to determine whether funds support terrorist organizations.
For businesses, we create a system for identifying clients, monitoring payments, reporting, and timely identifying suspicious transactions.
If a company is accused by law enforcement of non-compliance with CFT, we review transactions and internal policies, prepare a response to the allegations, and represent the client before the investigating authorities.
If the client’s business is associated with risk regions, we offer special KYC and CFT measures, reducing the likelihood of enforcement actions from regulators. Compliance with CFT norms strengthens the confidence of investors and partners and also removes barriers to concluding international contracts.
Contact Our Sanctions Lawyers to Protect Your Rights
If you are faced with questions regarding sanctions or want to proactively protect your business and assets from the unexpected, contact us right now to protect yourself in time from possible blocking and fines. We are ready to offer an individual solution and comprehensive legal support to protect your rights and interests.
Our economic sanctions practice will analyze your activities and identify potential risks, develop a strategy for compliance and minimizing the impact of sanctions, and represent your interests in negotiations with regulators and banks, as well as in court in the event of a dispute.
