Financial Crime World

Zimbabwe Sanctions: A Media Guide

The United States has imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwe in an effort to promote democracy and human rights in the country. The sanctions target individuals and entities that are owned or controlled by the government of Zimbabwe, senior officials, or those who have engaged in actions that undermine democratic processes.

Who is Targeted by the Sanctions?

The sanctions aim at individuals and entities that:

  • Are owned or controlled by the Government of Zimbabwe or its officials
  • Have engaged in actions to undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic processes or institutions
  • Have participated in human rights abuses related to political repression
  • Have facilitated public corruption by senior government officials
  • Are relatives of those whose property and interests are blocked

What is Prohibited?

Transactions involving the transfer, payment, export, withdrawal, or dealing in property or interests of entities or individuals on the sanctions list are prohibited. This includes transactions that involve:

  • Transferring funds to or from sanctioned entities
  • Paying for goods or services provided by sanctioned entities
  • Exporting goods or technology to or from Zimbabwe

Exemptions and Licenses

Certain activities and transactions may be exempt from the prohibitions, such as:

  • Personal communications
  • Travel
  • Certain legal services

Additionally, OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) may issue general licenses that authorize specific categories of transactions.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Individuals or entities found to have violated the sanctions can face civil monetary penalties of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of the underlying transaction. Criminal penalties can include fines and imprisonment for up to 20 years.

Contact Information

For more information on the Zimbabwe sanctions program or to submit a request for a specific license, contact:

  • Office of Foreign Assets Control
    • U.S. Department of the Treasury
    • 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
    • Washington, D.C. 20220
    • www.treasury.gov/ofac
    • Phone: (202) 622-2490

Other Sanctions Programs

The United States also has sanctions programs in place for other countries and entities, including:

  • Balkans
  • Belarus
  • Burma (Myanmar)
  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • Cuba
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Rough Diamond Trading (Kimberley Process)
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Lebanon
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • North Korea
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Yemen