US Imposes Financial Sanctions on Nicaragua-Based Entities

Targeting Repression and Gold Sector Manipulation

The US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has taken action against three Nicaragua-based entities, aimed at disrupting the Ortega-Murillo regime’s ability to repress its citizens and manipulate the gold sector.

Designated Entities

Capital Mining Investment Nicaragua, Sociedad Anónima: a mining company controlled by Laureano Ortega Murillo, son of President Ortega and Vice President Murillo.
COMINCO: a mining company owned and led by Salvador Mansell Castrillo, who is already under OFAC sanctions.
Salvador Mansell Castrillo: the owner and leader of COMINCO.

These entities operate or have operated in Nicaragua’s gold sector, which is controlled by regime-aligned companies. The designation comes amid allegations of human rights abuses and corruption within the Ortega-Murillo administration.

Visa Restrictions and Travel Advisory

In addition to the sanctions, the US Department of State has issued over 250 visa restrictions for Nicaraguan officials. The Departments of State, Treasury, and Homeland Security have jointly released an advisory to alert the travel industry about the ways in which smugglers are facilitating illegal migration to the United States.

Sanctions Prohibitions

The sanctions imposed by OFAC will block all property and interests in property of the designated persons within the US or in the possession or control of US persons. The prohibitions include any transactions that involve:

Any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.
Financial institutions and other entities that engage in certain activities with sanctioned individuals.

Purpose of Sanctions

The US Treasury Department’s OFAC sanctions are designed to:

Promote responsible practices
Prevent and disrupt illicit activity
Enhance compliance with lawful immigration and migration pathways