State Dept EB Bureau

US Sanctions Target DPRK IT Worker Schemes Defrauding Businesses

The U.S. Department of State and Treasury have sanctioned two entities and six individuals for their involvement in schemes using North Korean IT workers to generate revenue for the DPRK's weapons programs. These operations systematically defraud U.S. businesses and fund illicit WMD and ballistic missile development.

US Sanctions Hamas Illicit Charity Network

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions against four illicit charities funding Hamas militants. These actions, taken under Executive Order 13224, aim to disrupt funding sources for terrorist activities and expose Hamas's use of civilian organizations. The sanctions are part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.

Visa Restrictions for Undermining Great Lakes Peace

The Department of State has imposed visa restrictions on several senior Rwandan officials for fueling instability in eastern DRC and violating the Washington Accords. This action targets individuals undermining peace in the Great Lakes Region, pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

US Sanctions Rwandan Officials for Violating Washington Accords

The United States has sanctioned the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) and four senior RDF officers for their support of the M23 movement in the DRC, violating the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity. This action, taken under Executive Order 13413, demonstrates U.S. resolve to uphold regional stability.

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.