US Sanctions Targeted Individuals and Entities

The United States government has taken a series of executive orders and regulatory actions to impose sanctions on individuals and entities involved in malicious cyber-enabled activities, human rights abuses, terrorism, and other harmful behaviors.

Cyber-Enabled Sanctions

In April 2015, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that it had blocked the property of certain persons engaging in significant malicious cyber-enabled activities, as defined by Executive Order 13694. The order was signed by President Barack Obama on April 1, 2015, and went into effect immediately.

Human Rights Abuses

In addition to cyber-enabled sanctions, OFAC has also designated several individuals and entities under its Democratic Republic of Congo Sanctions Program. This program targets those responsible for human rights abuses, violence, and corruption in the DRC.

The US has also imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Iran’s nuclear program and human rights abuses. Executive Order 13628, signed by President Obama on October 9, 2012, authorized the implementation of certain sanctions set forth in the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012.

Drug Trafficking

Furthermore, OFAC has targeted individuals and entities involved in the global drug trade, including foreign narcotics kingpins. The agency has also designated several individuals and entities under its Non-SDN Iranian Sanctions Authorities program.

Human Rights Abuses in Ukraine and Venezuela

In recent years, the US government has taken action against those responsible for human rights abuses and violence in Ukraine. Executive Order 13660, signed by President Obama on March 6, 2014, blocked the property of certain persons contributing to the situation in Ukraine. The order was followed by additional designations under Executive Orders 13661 and 13662.

Similarly, the US has targeted individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses and undermining democracy in Venezuela. Executive Order 13692, signed by President Obama on March 8, 2015, blocked the property of certain persons contributing to the situation in Venezuela.

Broader Efforts

The OFAC’s actions are part of a broader effort by the US government to combat global terrorism, promote human rights, and protect national security. The agency works closely with other US government agencies, including the Department of State and the Department of Justice, to identify and target those who pose a threat to US interests.

Resources

For more information on OFAC’s sanctions programs and designations, visit its official website at www.treasury.gov/ofac.