On 7 November 2024, the UK government designated an additional 56 individuals and entities in its largest financial sanctions package since May 2023 (see the official press release here). The package aims to further restrict the supply of equipment utilised by Russia’s military industrial complex and target Russia’s global activities, particularly in Africa. Newly adopted designations The package consists of 56 new designations through five of the UK’s autonomous sanctions regimes. Targets include: These individuals…
On 14 October 2024, the EU designated seven individuals and seven entities responsible for the development and transfer of drones, missiles and related technology to Russia, and to armed groups and entities undermining peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. These include in particular three Iranian airlines, Iran Air, Mahan Air and Saha Airlines. The Regulation imposing the EU designations is available here. The individuals and entities are subject to asset freezes…
On 11 June 2024, the UK Court of Appeal handed down its judgment in the case of Celestial Aviation Services Limited v UniCredit Bank GmbH (London Branch) [2024] EWCA Civ 628. In summary, the Court of Appeal determined that, in the context of payment obligations under standby letters of credit (“LCs”), sanctions measures relating to financing the supply of restricted items can apply retrospectively as well as prospectively, significantly widening the scope of application of…
On June 27, 2024, Baker McKenzie hosted an Italian-language webinar on sanctions and geopolitical risks. The webinar, which attracted hundreds of registrants, included sessions on EU, US, and UK sanctions developments and enforcement, led by Baker McKenzie lawyers Roberto Cursano (Rome), Riccardo Ovidi (Rome), Kerry Contini (Washington DC), and Sunny Mann (London). The centerpiece of the webinar was a fireside chat led by Roberto Cursano with Giovanni Brignone, one of the lead officials for sanctions…