Economic sanctions enforced by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) are some of the most powerful tools in U.S. foreign policy. When a person or company is designated under programs like Executive Order 14024 (Russia), 13599 (Iran), or 13692 (Venezuela), all their property and assets under U.S. jurisdiction are immediately frozen.
When it comes to OFAC rules, compliance isn’t optional. Violations can lead to heavy fines and even criminal charges. In this article, we break down the legal framework, explain key compliance responsibilities, and highlight recent enforcement trends—all to help businesses and individuals understand the risks and stay ahead in today’s fast-changing sanctions landscape.
In recent years, whistleblower protection laws have evolved significantly across both public and private sectors. Enhanced enforcement by agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reflects a clear federal commitment to supporting individuals who report misconduct.
The International Criminal Police Organization — better known as INTERPOL — is the backbone of global law enforcement cooperation, connecting 196 member countries in the pursuit of international justice. Through its system of color-coded notices, INTERPOL circulates crucial information about crimes, offenders, and potential threats.
Trade with Cuba remains one of the most intricate—and risky—frontiers in U.S. export regulation. Despite some carefully crafted exceptions for humanitarian aid, agriculture, and certain people-to-people activities, the broader U.S. embargo has now stood for more than sixty years, shaping nearly every aspect of commerce with the island.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is the agency responsible for enforcing America’s economic sanctions. One of its most powerful tools is the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List). This list names individuals, companies, vessels, and even aircraft that are subject to strict sanctions.
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