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Sanctioning Timeshare Resort Linked to CJNG for Defrauding U.S. Citizens

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions against Kovay Gardens, a Mexican timeshare resort, and associated individuals and companies for their involvement in timeshare fraud schemes orchestrated by the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). This action was taken under executive orders targeting illicit drug proliferation and terrorism.

US Designates Russia-Based Cyber Firm for Trade Secret Theft

The U.S. Department of State has designated Russia-based Matrix LLC (Operation Zero) and its director, Sergey Zelenyuk, for significant theft of U.S. trade secrets. This action, taken under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act and Executive Order 13694, blocks their assets in the U.S. and prohibits U.S. persons from conducting business with them.

State Department Sanctions for Intellectual Property Theft

The Department of State has sanctioned one individual and two entities under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act (PAIPA) for theft of trade secrets. This action, supported by Treasury designations, marks the first use of PAIPA and targets cyber tools stolen from a U.S. company.

US Sanctions Target Iran's Weapons Procurement and Shadow Fleet

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions against individuals and entities in Iran, Türkiye, and the UAE involved in Iran's weapons procurement networks. Additionally, numerous shadow fleet vessels and their operators involved in transporting Iranian petroleum products were sanctioned.

US Sanctions Nicaraguan Officials for Repression

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions on five senior Nicaraguan officials for their roles in the repression of the Nicaraguan people. These actions are taken under Executive Orders 13851 and 14088, targeting individuals involved in human rights abuses and consolidation of power by the Murillo-Ortega dictatorship.

CBP Uncovers Over $400 Million in Duty Evasion

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced two major trade enforcement actions under the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA), uncovering over $400 million in unpaid trade duties. The largest case involved 23 U.S. importers and identified over $250 million in owed revenue from goods transshipped through third countries.

CBP Trade Fraud Probe: Two Arrested, $13.6M Gold Seized

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of $13.6 million in gold as part of a trade fraud investigation. The probe identified an estimated $86.47 million in evaded duties through a scheme involving misrepresenting gold jewelry shipments.

CBP Collects $1 Billion in Duties After Ending De Minimis Loophole

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced it has collected over $1 billion in duties on low-cost shipments since phasing out the de minimis loophole starting in May 2025. This action strengthens economic and national security by increasing oversight and preventing duty-free entry for goods from China and Hong Kong.

CBP Issues Withhold Release Order on Linglong International for Forced Labor

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against automobile tires manufactured by Linglong International Europe D.O.O. Zrenjanin in Serbia. This action, effective immediately, will detain all such tires at U.S. ports of entry due to evidence of forced labor in their production.

CBP Modifies Withhold Release Order on FGV Holdings Berhad

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has modified a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against FGV Holdings Berhad of Malaysia, allowing its palm oil and palm oil products to enter the U.S. effective January 15, 2026. This modification follows FGV's remediation of forced labor practices in its production processes.