Somalia Asset Freezing: UK and Jersey Take Action Against Human Rights Violators
The United Kingdom (UK) and Jersey have taken decisive action to impose financial sanctions on individuals involved in serious human rights violations, obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and other acts that threaten the peace and security of Somalia. The measures include freezing assets and prohibiting transactions with designated persons.
Designated Individuals Subject to Asset Freeze
According to a notice issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK has updated its Sanctions List to reflect changes to those individuals designated under the UK Regulations. Meanwhile, Jersey’s Sanctions and Asset-Freezing (Implementation of External Sanctions) Order 2021 links to the UK Regulations, making it effective immediately.
The following individuals are subject to an asset freeze:
- Abdikadir Mohamed ABDIKADIR
- Mohamed Mohamud MIRE
- Mohamed Omar MOHAMED
These individuals must report any funds or economic resources held by them to the Minister for External Relations (MER) within a certain timeframe. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in severe penalties.
Financial Institutions Required to Comply
Financial institutions are required to immediately check if they have accounts or hold funds for these designated individuals and freeze them without prior notice. They must also refrain from dealing with the frozen assets unless licensed by MER and provide any additional information that would facilitate compliance with Jersey’s sanctions legislation.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the sanctions legislation is a criminal offence, and those found guilty may face severe penalties.
Additional Resources
For further guidance on unfreezing assets for delisted persons or entities, individuals can refer to the Government of Jersey and Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) websites. The JFSC also provides information on Somalia’s sanctions regime.
Inquiries and Support
Inquiries related to sanctions compliance reporting, licence applications, and other matters should be directed to the Financial Sanctions Implementation Unit at sanctions@gov.je.