Introduction
26/04/2021
1. On 26 April 2021, the Foreign Secretary laid before Parliament the Global Anti- Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/488) (the Regulations). The Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (the Sanctions Act) and provide for the freezing of funds and economic resources of certain persons, entities or bodies involved in serious corruption.
2. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have updated the UK Sanctions List on GOV.UK. This list provides details of those designated under regulations made under the Sanctions Act. A link to the UK Sanctions List can be found below.
3. Following the publication of the UK Sanctions List, information on the Consolidated List has been updated.
And they added 22 persons to the new program:
1. ALEJOS LORENZANA, Felipe
DOB: 03/10/1984. Nationality: Guatemala Position: Deputy and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Congress of Guatemala Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0021 (UK Statement of Reasons): Alejos Lorenzana is a Deputy and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Congress of Guatemala. He has been involved in serious corruption using his position to attract clients with the offer of expediting the refund of tax credits in exchange for bribes, and benefitting from commission charges He is responsible for, and facilitated or provided support for, and benefitted from, serious corruption. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14089.
2. ALI, Ashraf Said Ahmed Hussein
DOB: (1) --/01/1957. (2) 01/04/1957. a.k.a: (1) AL-CARDINAL (2) ALI, Ashiraf, Seed, Ahmed (3) ALI, Ashraf, Hussein (4) ALI, Ashraf, Sayed (5) ALI, Ashraf, Seed, Ahmed (6) ALI, Ashraf, Seed, Ahmed, Hussein (7) ALI, Ashraff, Seed, Ahmed Nationality: (1) Sudan (2) South Sudan (3) possibly United Arab Emirates Passport Details: B00018325 Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Position: Businessman Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0015 (UK Statement of Reasons): Ashraf Seed Ahmed Hussein Ali, widely known as Al-Cardinal, has been involved in serious corruption in South Sudan involving the misappropriation of state property to his benefit and the benefit of others. He has been the beneficiary of commitments from the State which constituted the improper diversion of significant amounts of government revenues and funds. His actions facilitated or provided support for serious corruption that has caused damage to South Sudan’s public finances and contributed to ongoing instability and conflict. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14097.
3. ESSA, Salim Azziz
Title: Mr DOB: 15/01/1978. POB: Johannesburg, South Africa Nationality: South Africa Passport Details: (1) M00073786. Expiry: 08 Nov 2022. (2) 481034886. Expiry: 06 Nov 2018. (3) M00134539. Expiry: 28 Dec 2024. (4) 48103. Expiry: 08 Nov 2022. Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Position: Businessperson Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0019 Ajay Kumar Gupta (business partner), Atul Kumar Gupta (business partner), Rajesh Kumar Gupta (business partner). (UK Statement of Reasons): Salim Essa, in association with Ajay Gupta, Atul Gupta and Rajesh Gupta, has been involved in serious corruption in South Africa, involving the misappropriation of property. He has been responsible for this corruption by playing a key part in its organisation and has financially benefitted from it. This corruption caused serious damage to South Africa. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14087.
4. GORDIEVSKY, Stanislav Evgenievich
Title: Major DOB: 09/09/1977. POB: Russia a.k.a: (1) GORDIEVSKIY, Stanislav, Evgenievich (2) GORDIEVSKIY, Stanislav, Yevgyenyevich (3) GORDIEVSKY, Stanislav, Yevgyenyevich Nationality: Russia Position: Investigator of the Investigative Department of the South Administrative District, of the Prosecutor Service in Moscow Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0003 (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Gordievsky participated in the fraud through his actions during the course of a tax investigation into companies involved in the serious corruption. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14096.
5. GUPTA, Ajay Kumar
Title: Mr DOB: 05/02/1956. POB: Saharanpur, India Nationality: (1) India (2) South Africa Passport Details: (1) Z1876211. Expiry: 03 Sep 2018. (2) Z1440582. (3) Z2325724. Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Position: Businessperson Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0016 Associated with: Atul Gupta (brother/business partner), Rajesh Kumar Gupta (brother/business partner), Salim Essa (business partner). (UK Statement of Reasons): Ajay Gupta, in association with Atul Gupta, Rajesh Gupta and Salim Essa, has been involved in serious corruption in South Africa, involving the misappropriation of property. He has been responsible for this corruption by playing a key part in its organisation and has financially benefitted from it. This corruption caused serious damage to South Africa. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14098.
6. GUPTA, Atul Kumar
Title: Mr DOB: 14/06/1968. POB: Saharanpur, India Nationality: (1) India (2) South Africa Passport Details: (1) 233646059. Expiry: 04 Jun 2018. (2) 477486059. Expiry: 04 Jun 2018. (3) 589623059. Expiry: 04 Jun 2018. Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Position: Businessperson Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0017 Associated with: Ajay Kumar Gupta (brother/business partner), Rajesh Kumar Gupta (brother/business partner), Salim Essa (business partner). (UK Statement of Reasons): Atul Gupta, in association with Ajay Gupta, Rajesh Gupta and Salim Essa, has been involved in serious corruption in South Africa, involving the misappropriation of property. He has been responsible for this corruption by playing a key part in its organisation and has financially benefitted from it. This corruption caused serious damage to South Africa. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14100.
7. GUPTA, Rajesh Kumar
Title: Mr DOB: 05/08/1972. POB: Saharanpur, India a.k.a: GUPTA, Tony Nationality: (1) India (2) South Africa Passport Details: (1) M00069726. Expiry: 13 Sep 2022. (2) 462064042. Expiry: 26 Jul 2016. (3) M00006520. Expiry: 26 Jul 2019. (4) M00138156. Expiry: 04 Feb 2025. Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Position: Businessperson Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0018 Associated with: Ajay Kumar Gupta (brother/business partner), Atul Kumar Gupta (brother/business partner), Salim Essa (business partner). (UK Statement of Reasons): Rajesh "Tony" Gupta, in association with Ajay Gupta, Atul Gupta and Salim Essa, has been involved in serious corruption in South Africa, involving the misappropriation of property. He has been responsible for this corruption by playing a key part in its organisation and has financially benefitted from it. This corruption caused serious damage to South Africa. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14102.
8. KARPOV, Pavel Aleksandrovich
Title: Major DOB: 27/08/1977. POB: Moscow, Russia a.k.a: KARPOV, Pavel, Alexandrovich Nationality: Russia Passport Details: 604176957 (likely expired) Position: (1) Formerly described as Investigator of the Investigative Unit of the Moscow branch of the Interior Ministry (2) Senior Investigating Officer for Major Cases. Retired July 2012. Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0002 (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of US$ 230 million of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Karpov participated in the fraud through his role as an investigator of alleged tax fraud by the Kameya company. His actions facilitated or provided support for serious corruption, and he benefited financially from the proceeds of the serious corruption. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14094.
9. KHIMINA, Yelena Ivanovna
DOB: 11/09/1953. POB: Moscow, Russia a.k.a: KHIMINA, Elena, Ivanovna Nationality: Russia Position: Head of Moscow Tax Office No. 25 Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0006 (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Khimina participated in the serious corruption through her approval of part of the fraudulent tax rebate. She was responsible for and her actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. She also transferred or converted, or facilitated the transfer or conversion of, the proceeds of the serious corruption. (Gender): Female Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14083.
10. KHLEBNIKOV, Vyacheslav Georgievich
DOB: 09/07/1967. POB: Tambov, Russia a.k.a: KHLEBNIKOV, Viacheslav, Georgiyevich Nationality: Russia Position: Businessman Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0010 (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Khlebnikov participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular, in the improper transfer of ownership of the company Makhaon and the submission of applications for fraudulent tax rebates. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14103.
11. KLYUEV, Dmitry Vladislavovich
DOB: 10/08/1967. POB: Moscow, Russia a.k.a: (1) CHELTER, Dima (2) KLYUEV, Dmitriy, Vladislovovich Nationality: Russia Position: Owner of Universal Savings Bank Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0012 (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Klyuev participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular in planning the fraud, and through his ownership of Universal Savings Bank. He was responsible for, and his actions facilitated or provided support for, the serious corruption. He also transferred or converted, or facilitated the transfer or conversion of, the proceeds of the serious corruption. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14091.
12. KUZNETSOV, Artem Konstantinovich
Title: Lt. Colonel DOB: 28/02/1975. POB: Baku, former USSR, now Azerbaijan a.k.a: KUZNETSOV, Artyom, Konstantinovich Nationality: Russia Position: (1) Deputy Division Head, Tax Crimes Department of the Moscow Branch of the Interior Ministry in 2007. (2) After Magnitsky’s death he was promoted to the Interior Ministry’s Economic Security Department. Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0001 (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Kuznetsov participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular, in seizing documents used to secure the fraudulent tax rebate. He interfered in judicial processes and benefited financially from the proceeds of the serious corruption. His actions facilitated or provided support for serious corruption. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14092.
13. LOPEZ CENTENO, Jose Francisco
DOB: 17/09/1950. POB: Nicaragua a.k.a: LOPEZ CENTENO, Chico, Lopez Nationality: Nicaragua Passport Details: C0915261 (Nicaragua). Address: Nicaragua. Position: (1) Treasurer of Sandinista Party (2) Minister (Advisory) of Production and Trade Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0022 (UK Statement of Reasons): Lopez Centeno was a high-ranking public official and Vice President of state-owned Albanisa. He has been involved in serious corruption by presiding over misappropriation during his leadership whereby public funds were diverted to fake companies, or inflated projects. He has been responsible for serious corruption, and facilitated or supported it. This deprived the Nicaraguan state and its citizens of vital resources for development. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14090.
14. MARKELOV, Viktor Aleksandrovich
DOB: 15/12/1957. POB: Leninskoye village, Uzganskiy District, Osh region, former USSR, now Kyrgyzstan a.k.a: MARKELOV, Viktor, Alexandrovich Nationality: Russia Position: Businessman Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0011 (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Markelov participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular, in the improper transfer of ownership of the company Parfenion and the submission of applications for fraudulent tax rebates. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14104.
15. MAYOROVA, Yulia Mikhailovna
DOB: 23/04/1979. POB: Moscow, Russia a.k.a: (1) MAIOROVA, Yulia, Mikhailovna (2) MAIOROVA, Yuliya, Mikhaylovna (3) MAYOROVA, Yuliya, Mikhaylovna Nationality: Russia Passport Details: 622264502 (as of 2006). Position: Lawyer Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0014 (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Mayorova participated in the fraud through her involvement, in particular, in court processes based on fraudulent claims for damages, as the lawyer representing Makhaon. Her actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. (Gender): Female Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14095.
16. NAJERA, Oscar Ramon
DOB: 12/12/1950. POB: Honduras Nationality: Honduras Address: Honduras. Position: Congressman Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0020 (UK Statement of Reasons): Najera is a Congressman in the Honduran Congress. He has been involved in serious corruption using his position to facilitate bribes that supported a major drug trafficking organisation, ‘Los Cachiros’, and which enabled the cartel to evade accountability. Conduct of this nature seriously undermines the rule of law and trust in public institutions in Honduras. He is responsible for, and facilitated or provided support for, serious corruption, and financially benefitted from it. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14088.
17. PAVLOV, Andrey Alekseyevich
DOB: 07/08/1977. a.k.a: (1) PAVLOV, Andrei, Alekseevich (2) PAVLOV, Andrei, Alexeevich (3) PAVLOV, Andrei, Alexeyevich Nationality: Russia Position: Lawyer Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0007 (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Pavlov participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular, in court processes based on fraudulent claims for damages, as the lawyer representing Rilend. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14084.
18. PLAKSIN, Gennady Nikolaevich
DOB: 30/08/1961. POB: Klin, Moscow Region, Russia a.k.a: PLAKSIN, Gennadiy, Nikolayevich Position: Former Chairman of the Universal Savings Bank Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0009 (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Plaksin participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular, in court processes based on fraudulent claims for damages, as the director of Instar LLC. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14086.
19. SHESHENYA, Aleksey Nikolaevich
DOB: 16/04/1971. POB: Kommunarsk, Voroshilov region, former USSR, now Ukraine a.k.a: (1) SHESHENIA, Aleksei, Nikolayevich (2) SHESHENIA, Alexei, Nikolayevich (3) SHESHENIA, Alexey, Nikolayevich Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0008 (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Sheshenya participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular, in court processes based on fraudulent claims for damages, as the director of Grand-Aktiv LLC. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14085.
20. STEPANOV, Vladlen Yurievich
DOB: 17/07/1962. a.k.a: STEPANOV, Vladlen, Yuryevich Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0005 Husband of Olga Stepanova at the time of the serious corruption. (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Stepanov participated in the serious corruption through his involvement, in particular, owning the bank account which received the misappropriated funds. His actions provided support for or facilitated the misappropriation. He transferred or converted, or facilitated the transfer or conversion of, the proceeds the serious corruption, and benefitted financially from the serious corruption. Stepanov is also associated with Olga Stepanova, his then wife, who is also a person involved in serious corruption. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14101.
21. STEPANOVA, Olga Germanovna
DOB: 29/07/1962. POB: Moscow, Russia a.k.a: STEPANOVA, Olga, Hermanovna Nationality: Russia Position: Previous Head of Tax Office no. 28 Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0004 Wife of Vladlen Stepanov at the time of the serious corruption. (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Stepanova participated in the serious corruption through her approval of part of the fraudulent tax rebate. She was responsible for and her actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. She transferred or converted, or facilitated the transfer or conversion of, the proceeds of the serious corruption and benefitted financially from the serious corruption. (Gender): Female Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14099.
22. URZHUMTSEV, Oleg Vyacheslavovich
Title: Lt Col DOB: 22/10/1968. Nationality: Russia Position: Formerly Senior Investigator of the Department for Investigating Organised Economic Criminal Activity of the Investigative Committee under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): GAC0013 (UK Statement of Reasons): In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. Urzhumtsev was involved in the fraud, in particular, by closing an investigation into the re-registration of companies involved in the misappropriation. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. (Gender): Male Listed On: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Group ID: 14093.
And the Foreign Secretary announced the designations:
Press release
UK sanctions 22 individuals involved in serious international corruption
English Español
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has announced the UK’s first sanctions under the new Global Anti-Corruption regime.
From:Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP
Published:26 April 2021
Last updated: 26 April 2021
sanctions target 22 individuals involved in notorious corruption cases in Russia, South Africa, South Sudan and throughout Latin America
Foreign Secretary vows to stop corrupt individuals using the UK as a safe haven for dirty money
new sanctions regime stops those involved in serious corruption from entering and channelling money through the UK
Individuals involved in some of the world’s most serious cases of corruption will no longer be able to channel their money through UK banks or enter the country thanks to new sanctions announced by the Foreign Secretary today.
The UK has, for the first time, imposed asset freezes and travel bans against 22 individuals under the new Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime which gives the UK unprecedented power to stop corrupt actors profiting from the UK economy and exploiting our citizens.
Corruption hurts individuals and undermines global trade, development and the rule of law. Over 2% of global GDP is lost to corruption every year, and corruption increases the cost of doing business for individual companies by as much as 10%.
Corruption also threatens our national security by exacerbating conflict and facilitating serious and organised crime, creating space for terrorist and criminal groups like Daesh and Boko Haram to operate.
This new regime will allow the UK to combat serious corruption, in particular bribery and misappropriation. It will promote effective governance, robust democratic institutions and the rule of law – demonstrating our power as a force for good around the world.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, said:
Corruption has a corrosive effect as it slows development, drains the wealth of poorer nations and keeps their people trapped in poverty. It poisons the well of democracy.
The individuals we have sanctioned today have been involved in some of the most notorious corruption cases around the world.
Global Britain is standing up for democracy, good governance and the rule of law. We are saying to those involved in serious corruption: we will not tolerate you or your dirty money in our country.
The measures are deliberately targeted, so the UK can impose sanctions on corrupt individuals and their enablers, rather than entire nations.
They are being taken partly in tandem with the US, which is today also announcing further corruption sanctions. Acting together sends the clearest possible signal that corruption comes with a heavy price.
The UK’s first wave of sanctions under this new sanctions regime is targeting:
those involved in the diversion of $230 million of Russian state property through a fraudulent tax refund scheme uncovered by Sergei Magnitsky – one of the largest tax frauds in recent Russian history
Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta and their associate Salim Essa, for their roles in serious corruption. They were at the heart of a long-running process of corruption in South Africa which caused significant damage to its economy
Sudanese businessman Ashraf Seed Ahmed Hussein Ali, widely known as Al Cardinal, for his involvement in the misappropriation of significant amounts of state assets in one of the poorest countries in the world. This diversion of resources in collusion with South Sudanese elites has contributed to ongoing instability and conflict
several individuals involved in serious corruption in Latin America, including facilitating bribes to support a major drug trafficking organisation and misappropriation that has led to citizens being deprived of vital resources for development
The Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime builds on the success of the Global Human Rights sanctions regime established in July 2020, which has resulted in the UK imposing sanctions on 78 individuals and entities involved in serious human rights violations, including from Myanmar, Belarus, China and Russia.
The UK will continue to use a range of means to tackle serious corruption around the world, including funding the International Corruption Unit in the National Crime Agency. The International Corruption Unit and its predecessors have restrained, confiscated or returned over £1.1 billion of stolen assets, stolen from developing countries since 2006.
The full list of designations can be found on the UK sanctions list on GOV.UK.
Media enquiries
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Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.
And published a story on the Guatemalan Congressman designation:
World news story
UK sanctions Guatemalan Congressman under new global anti-corruption regime
The UK Government designated today Guatemalan Congressman Felipe Alejos Lorenzana due to his involvement in significant corruption.
From:British Embassy Guatemala City
Published:26 April 2021
British Embassy statement
In his official capacity, Felipe Alejos Lorenzana served as an intermediary for corrupt officials in a largescale corruption scandal involving Guatemala’s Tax Administration. His conduct undermined democracy, the rule of law and good governance in Guatemala. Sanctions include assets freeze and travel ban.
This designation is made under the UK’s Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021, launched today and put in place to prevent and combat serious corruption. The Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021 is secondary legislation laid under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. These regulations have replaced the EU’s sanctions system.
The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 provides that, in cases where the Secretary of Foreign Affairs has credible information officials of foreign governments have been involved in significant corruption, those involved in serious acts of corruption, such as Felipe Alejos Lorenzana, are prevented from entering the UK, as well as stopping their assets from being able to be dealt with in the UK.
Today’s actions support UK public security interests and sends out a strong political message that the UK considers this conduct unacceptable. The Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime targets individuals, not countries. The UK currently has no other sanctions targeting Guatemalan nationals.
These measures are being taken partly in tandem with the US, which is today also announcing further corruption sanctions. Acting together sends the clearest possible signal that corruption comes with a heavy price.
We continue to support initiatives that align with our own values of democracy, the respect for human rights and the rule of law. We will continue working with Guatemala to strengthen our bilateral economic relationship, and dealing with other top priority issues, such as tackling climate change and keep promoting good governance.
And one for the Honduran designation:
World news story
UK sanctions Honduran Congressman under new global anti-corruption regime
The UK Government designated today Honduran Congressman Oscar Ramón Nájera due to his involvement in significant corruption.
From:British Embassy Guatemala City (for Honduras) Published:26 April 2021
British Embassy statement
In his official capacity, Oscar Ramón Nájera facilitated bribes with public officials that supported a major drug trafficking organisation, ‘Los Cachiros’. Conduct of this nature seriously undermines the rule of law and trust in public institutions in Honduras. Sanctions include assets freeze and travel ban.
This designation is made under the UK’s Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021, launched today and put in place to prevent and combat serious corruption. The Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021 is secondary legislation laid under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. These regulations have replaced the EU’s sanctions system.
The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering act 2018 provides that, in cases where the Secretary of Foreign Affairs has credible information officials of foreign governments have been involved in significant corruption, those involved in serious acts of corruption, such as Oscar Ramón Nájera, are prevented from entering the UK, as well as stopping their assets from being able to be dealt with in the UK.
Today’s actions support UK public security interests and sends out a strong political message that the UK considers this conduct unacceptable. The Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime targets individuals, not countries. The UK currently has no other sanctions targeting Honduran nationals.
These measures are being taken partly in tandem with the US, which is today also announcing further corruption sanctions. Acting together sends the clearest possible signal that corruption comes with a heavy price.
We continue to support initiatives that align with our own values of democracy, the respect for human rights and the rule of law. We will continue working with Honduras to strengthen our bilateral economic relationship, and dealing with other top priority issues, such as tackling climate change and keep promoting good governance.
And the U.S. State Department:
On the United Kingdom’s Establishment of a Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regime
PRESS STATEMENT
ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE
APRIL 26, 2021
The United States commends the United Kingdom on the establishment of a Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regime, which reinforces the U.S.-UK partnership in the fight against corruption and illicit finance.
Corruption undermines the rule of law, weakens citizens’ trust in their governments, hampers economic growth, and facilitates transnational crime and human rights abuses. The Global Anti-Corruption-Sanctions Regime strengthens the UK’s efforts to counter corruption globally and complements ongoing U.S. initiatives, enhancing our ability to cooperate and coordinate on comparable human rights and corruption sanctions programs, such as the U.S. Global Magnitsky sanctions program.
Together, along with other allies and partners, we will seek to promote our shared values with similar tools. Corrupt actors, and their facilitators, will not have access to our financial systems. The United States looks forward to continuing our partnership with like-minded governments and civil society alike to defend human rights, combat corruption, and promote accountability and good governance.
and Treasury Department:
PRESS RELEASES
Statement by Secretary Janet Yellen On the United Kingdom’s Establishment of a Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regime
April 26, 2021
The United States Department of the Treasury welcomes the enactment today of the United Kingdom’s new Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regime, which builds upon the success of the United Kingdom’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. This new sanctions regime gives the United Kingdom an authority similar to the United States’ Global Magnitsky program and Canada’s Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, which target both human rights abusers and corrupt actors. We stand in close partnership with the United Kingdom in addressing the global challenges of corruption and illicit finance.
Corruption is corrosive to governance and is one of the greatest obstacles to global growth, economic stability, and poverty alleviation. The United Kingdom’s new Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regime provides opportunities for the United States and the United Kingdom to take complementary sanctions actions where appropriate, magnifying the impact of our respective sanctions.
U.S. sanctions are more likely to compel changes in behavior and disrupt threatening activities when pursued in concert with our allies—carrying a more forceful economic impact by disrupting access to the international financial system—and sending a stronger message to malign actors by virtue of our solidarity. The use of sanctions can further incentivize businesses to adopt a more proactive corporate risk and due diligence approach, which takes into account both human rights and corruption issues.
Sanctions are, however, but one tool. In addition to sanctions, Treasury will also support global efforts to combat corruption through provision of guidance to financial institutions; technical assistance; and engagement with foreign and private sector partners to encourage reforms, ensure corrupt officials are held accountable, and see that vulnerabilities to corruption are addressed.
The United States looks forward to continuing our collaboration with the United Kingdom and other allies to defend human rights, support good governance, and impose tangible and significant costs on those who engage in corruption.
issued press releases congratulating the U.K.
Links: