Financial Crime World

U.S. Department of the Treasury Designates Individuals and Entities for Corruption and Human Rights Abuses in Paraguay

Introduction

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has taken significant steps to combat corruption and human rights abuses by designating several individuals and entities involved in these illicit activities in Paraguay.

Designated Individuals

The following individuals have been designated for their involvement in corruption, bribery, and human rights abuses:

  • Kassem: A foreign person who has provided material support for corruption, including the misappropriation of state assets, corruption related to government contracts, or the extraction of natural resources, or bribery.
  • Khalil: A foreign person who has provided material support for Kassem.
  • Liz Paola Doldan Gonzalez (Doldan): A foreign person who has provided material support for corruption, including the misappropriation of state assets, corruption related to government contracts, or the extraction of natural resources, or bribery.

Designated Entities

The following entities have been designated for their involvement in corruption and human rights abuses:

  • Espana Informatica S.A.: A company registered in Paraguay that is owned or controlled by Kassem.
  • Emprendimientos Inmobiliarios Misiones S.A., Apolo Informatica S.A., and Mundo Informatico Paraguay S.A.: Companies registered in Paraguay that are owned or controlled by Khalil.
  • Mobile Zone International Import-Export S.R.L.: A company registered in Paraguay that is owned or controlled by Doldan.

Implications of the Designations

As a result of these designations, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be reported to OFAC. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or otherwise exempt, U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with these entities.

The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act aims to impose tangible and significant consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption, as well as to protect the financial system of the United States from abuse by these same individuals.