Sanctions and Export Controls

Overview

Sanctions are an economic weapon used by governments or intergovernmental organizations to punish individuals, private entities and countries for conduct deemed politically unacceptable. Sanctions work directly by restricting the activities of sanctioned individuals and entities.

They can also work indirectly, by imposing restrictions on how individuals and businesses may interact with a sanctioned party. Because violators can be liable for large monetary penalties and criminal prosecution, it is important for anyone engaging in cross-border transactions to proactively consider and address their potential sanctions exposure before a breach occurs.

How We Help

Rashid Imran Attorney advises individuals, start-ups, joint ventures and corporates of various nationalities on compliance with British, American and European export controls and sanctions laws.

We assess the impact of sanctions on our clients’ business activities and when necessary, we draft and submit licence applications on behalf of clients to obtain authorisation for otherwise prohibited activities.

We also represent clients who have made the decision to proactively self-report a sanctions violation or who have been accused of trade control breaches by the UK’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the UK Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) or European national competent authorities (NCAs).

Because different countries’ trade control laws intersect and overlap, the same conduct can be simultaneously subject to differing, and even contradictory, restrictions from multiple jurisdictions.

Our experienced and qualified team, in conjunction with our network of trusted partner law firms around the world, is capable of helping clients with multinational operations navigate their way through the regularly-shifting thicket of international sanctions rules and regulations.

As with all our advisory services, our sanctions and export controls practice group strives to provide our clients with highly practical, targeted and cost-efficient advice.

Rashid Imran Attorney has an in-depth guide to sanctions that answers many questions relating to them.

Representative Matters

Alongside the individuals and corporates seeking advice on their exposure to sanctions of different natures in relation to various jurisdictions, Rashid Imran Attorney has seen a sharp increase in matters following Russia’s military activities in Ukraine in 2022.

These activities led to a raft of new legislation that sought to persuade Russia to cease actions that may destabilise Ukraine. Following the introduction of the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022, the UK has tightened its grip on sanctions processes and strengthened the enforcement of sanctions-related offences.

Rashid Imran Attorney helps clients navigate the complex sanctions landscape, not only in the UK but also in the EU and US. We provide timely and targeted advice and representation to clients regarding their sanctions exposure to Russia.