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Time Business News
a day ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Sanctioned and Gone: U.S. Targets High-Level Financial Fugitives
VANCOUVER, Canada — In a post-pandemic financial landscape riddled with crypto collapses, offshore asset shelters, and geopolitical tensions, the U.S. government has intensified its efforts to track and sanction high-level financial fugitives. These individuals—ranging from corporate insiders to state-linked oligarchs—are increasingly being pursued not only through traditional law enforcement channels but through a powerful arsenal of tools that include economic sanctions, seizures, and international diplomatic pressure. This new approach reflects the global reality of financial crime in 2025: many fugitives no longer run in fear. Instead, they operate through shell companies, trusted proxies, and protected jurisdictions—all while evading extradition. But as sanctions evolve from state-level instruments to personal accountability tools, the U.S. is quietly reshaping how justice is delivered across borders. From Indictment to Sanction: A Modern Pursuit Historically, economic fugitives faced arrest warrants, FBI bulletins, and sometimes INTERPOL Red Notices. However, now, U.S. agencies, such as the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) within the Department of the Treasury, are naming and sanctioning individuals accused—not necessarily convicted—of significant financial crimes. This tactic has multiple advantages: In many cases, individuals under indictment may never enter a courtroom, but they'll find themselves unable to access banking services, travel internationally, or invest in legitimate markets. Case Study #1: Alex Saab — Sanctioned, Captured, and Extradited Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman accused of laundering hundreds of millions for the Venezuelan regime, was not merely indicted—he was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2019 under the Magnitsky Act, which targets global corruption. Saab attempted to travel under diplomatic cover in 2020, claiming immunity. Yet U.S. authorities, with the cooperation of Cape Verde, detained and eventually extradited him to the United States. His arrest marked a turning point in sanction enforcement against fugitives, as it demonstrated that sanctions and legal arrest could coexist and reinforce each other. High-Level Targets: When Financial Crime and Politics Collide In 2025, the line between financial fugitive and geopolitical figure is increasingly blurred. Many of the highest-profile fugitives are: These fugitives not only defraud—often in the hundreds of millions—but also become pawns in geopolitical games. The Power of Sanctions in 2025 Sanctions in the modern era are not just about freezing government funds; they also involve other measures. They now serve to: Label individuals globally , alerting institutions and border agencies. , alerting institutions and border agencies. Trigger investigations in other countries through reciprocity agreements. in other countries through reciprocity agreements. Isolate fugitives from legal financial systems (e.g., no SWIFT, no Mastercard, no investment banks). The U.S. Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list is being used in tandem with the DOJ's criminal indictments, creating a one-two punch of legal and financial pressure. Case Study #2: Ruja Ignatova — Still Missing, Now Sanctioned The infamous 'Crypto queen' Ruja Ignatova vanished in 2017 after her OneCoin pyramid scheme allegedly swindled investors out of $4.5 billion. Although her case initially involved criminal fraud charges, she has now been targeted by a coordinated global effort involving the FBI, Europol, and financial intelligence units. In 2023, the U.S. Treasury listed shell companies associated with Ignatova on OFAC's SDN list, freezing associated assets in Liechtenstein and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While she remains missing, her financial empire is systematically being dismantled, piece by piece. When Sanctions Become the New Border Control Sanctions do more than lock up money—they act as digital fences. When a sanctioned individual tries to: Open a bank account Purchase real estate Board an international flight with a flagged passport Use high-value services like private charter or investment brokerage —alerts are triggered, and enforcement agencies are notified. In some cases, those caught facilitating services for sanctioned individuals can be criminally prosecuted themselves. Amicus International's View on Sanctions and Identity Amicus International Consulting, a leader in global identity restructuring and financial protection, emphasizes that the modern landscape demands clarity and legal compliance, especially as digital systems integrate sanction watchlists into every layer of customer onboarding. 'Our advisory team works with clients navigating complex geopolitical and financial systems,' said a spokesperson from Amicus. 'While we do not work with fugitives or sanctioned parties, we are often called in to analyze how legal frameworks are being weaponized or misused in cross-border enforcement.' Amicus has assisted legal teams and journalists in mapping the asset trails and legal footprints of sanctioned fugitives, especially where overlapping legal jurisdictions create both opportunity and confusion. Case Study #3: Samark López — A Shadow Empire Unravelled Venezuelan businessman Samark López was sanctioned under the Kingpin Act for his ties to narcotics trafficking and corruption. Despite no conviction, López's name and businesses were blocked globally. What followed was a complete collapse of his enterprise: Bank accounts in Panama and Switzerland frozen Assets seized in Miami and Spain Real estate traced through shell structures and forfeited The case illustrates that being on a sanctions list is now more operationally devastating than a Red Notice, particularly in the context of globalized finance. Where the Fugitives Still Hide Despite growing enforcement, some jurisdictions remain safe havens for sanctioned or indicted individuals, including: Russia and parts of Central Asia China, under limited cooperation treaties Iran and proxy states Some Caribbean and West African nations In these places, fugitives may still access banking services, use local passports, and operate behind nominal corporate directors or offshore trusts. Case Study #4: The Dimitrions — Disappearance After Plea, Still Sanction-Free John Michael and Julieanne Dimitrion, a couple from Hawaii who defrauded distressed homeowners, pleaded guilty in 2010 and then vanished before sentencing. Though they remain on the FBI's wanted list, no economic sanctions have been issued against them, showcasing an ongoing gap in sanction coverage for lower-profile fugitives. They've reportedly used altered identities in Central America, eluding detection by staying under financial and digital radar thresholds. Digital Enforcement Is Here In 2025, sanctions enforcement is no longer confined to manual reviews. AI-driven systems now: Scan financial transactions for sanctioned aliases Auto-flag property registrations and corporate filings Monitor crypto transactions tied to blocked wallets Match biometric data with international no-fly lists These tools, integrated into everything from real estate platforms to luxury yacht registries, are reshaping how fugitives can move, invest, and survive. Asset Seizure Without Conviction? Yes. Under civil asset forfeiture laws, sanctioned individuals can lose assets before or without a criminal trial, especially if their property is linked to sanctioned entities. In one 2024 case, U.S. authorities seized $120 million in cryptocurrency assets from wallets tied to a sanctioned Russian mining operation, despite no court ruling on guilt. These tools are increasingly being tested in U.S. courts and supported by legal precedent when tied to national security interests. Amicus on the Future of International Financial Controls As international clients seek guidance on legal compliance, Amicus International stresses: The growing power of cross-border sanction enforcement The importance of jurisdictional clarity in identity documentation in identity documentation The need for risk mitigation structures that do not cross into sanctioned territory Their advisory offerings include forensic asset mapping, legal identity restructuring under national law, and treaty-based planning for legitimate relocation. Conclusion: The U.S. Is Changing the Game From the Cayman Islands to Cyprus, and Dubai to Singapore, financial fugitives used to hide behind law firm proxies and shell company veils. Today, the U.S. is tearing down those curtains—not with handcuffs alone, but with sanctions, seizures, and systemic disruption. For the first time, an untried fugitive can find themselves digitally erased, financially frozen, and geopolitically isolated—without a shot being fired or an arrest being made. As Amicus continues to advise on the intersection of identity, law, and sovereignty, one message becomes clear: In 2025, you don't have to be caught to be cornered. 📞 Contact Information Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402 Email: info@ Website: Follow Us: 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Twitter/X 🔗 Facebook 🔗 Instagram TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Epoch Times
07-06-2025
- Epoch Times
Treasury Sanctions Guyanese and Colombians for Trafficking Cocaine From South America to the US and Europe
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned a network trafficking cocaine from South America to the United States and Europe on June 5, as reported in a . The Treasury Department sanctions target four Guyanese citizens and two Colombian citizens who were allegedly responsible for trafficking tons of cocaine from South America to the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, using aircraft, boats, and narco-submarines to transport the drug.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US sanctions money laundering network aiding Iran as regime faces nuclear reprimand at IAEA
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned some 35 individuals involved in laundering money for Iran on Friday as the administration seeks to make a deal with Iran over its nuclear weapons program. A State Department spokesperson said in a statement that,"This network has laundered billions of dollars through Iranian exchange houses and foreign front companies to sustain Tehran's campaigns of terror that undermine international peace and security and line the pockets of regime elites." Meanwhile, tensions with Iran continue, with the Associated Press reporting that Western powers are considering a resolution at the IAEA that would formally declare Tehran in non-compliance with its nuclear obligations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the move a "strategic mistake" and accused the U.K., France, and Germany of choosing "malign action" over diplomacy. "Mark my words as Europe ponders another major strategic mistake: Iran will react strongly against any violation of its rights," he wrote on X. Iran's Khamenei Rejects Us Zero Uranium Enrichment Demand As '100% Against' Its Interests The draft resolution, expected to be introduced next week, would mark the first time in two decades that Western nations bring such a motion against Iran at the IAEA. Read On The Fox News App As U.S. and Iranian negotiators engage in fragile talks, voices from within Iran reveal a grim paradox: while many citizens desperately seek relief from crushing economic hardship, they fear any deal may only tighten the Islamic Republic's grip on power. "Right now, people in Iran do not have any hope for anything," said a female journalist in Tehran, who spoke anonymously out of fear for her safety. "The economy is collapsing. We sometimes don't have electricity or water. The value of the rial is falling. Life is becoming unlivable." Like many Iranians, she believes an agreement could temporarily ease inflation and halt the country's economic freefall. But she—and many others—fear the unintended consequences. "If the regime reaches a deal, it could become more powerful and more confident in suppressing people. That's what frightens us the most," she said. Under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran has faced growing unrest at home, triggered by economic pain, political repression, and widespread mistrust. As negotiations proceed, Iranian citizens are watching closely—but not with optimism. White House Urges Iran To Accept Nuclear Deal As Iaea Reports Uranium Enrichment Spike "People in Iran are caught in a dilemma," said another Tehran resident, a man who also requested anonymity. "On one hand, they want the regime to fall. On the other, the economic burden is so heavy that any deal offering relief feels like a lifeline. But the truth is, even if a deal is signed, ordinary people won't benefit. We've seen this before." He pointed to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Obama-era nuclear agreement that promised economic benefits but, according to many Iranians, never delivered meaningful change for the public. "Only those connected to the regime gained anything," he said. "For the rest of us, life stayed the same." While Iranian leaders claim the nuclear program is peaceful, the U.S. and allies remain concerned about uranium enrichment levels nearing weapons-grade levels. Trump has demanded a full halt to enrichment, while Khamenei insists on retaining it. "I'm a journalist, and we work under extreme censorship," said the woman in Tehran. "We're not allowed to mention U.S. or Israeli military capabilities. We can't publish anything about the talks without approval." Trump Administration Open To Allowing Iran To Continue Some Uranium Enrichment: Report She described a system where state censors dictate what reporters can and cannot say—down to the vocabulary. "It's not just the content—it's the individual words. And that makes journalism almost impossible." In the interviews with Fox News Digital, Iranians expressed deep skepticism that Khamenei would abide by any agreement. "He lies," the journalist said bluntly. "What he says publicly is never what he actually does. He manipulates both the public and foreign governments. No one should trust a dictator like him." The man echoed the sentiment. "The regime's survival depends on its hostility toward the U.S. and Israel. If it truly committed to a deal, it would undermine its own ideological foundation. That's why no one believes it can last." Recent months have seen a resurgence of protest activity in Iran, including a growing nationwide strike by truck drivers demanding fair wages and lower fuel prices. Though largely ignored by international media, these strikes follow years of widespread protests—most notably the 2022 "Woman, Life, Freedom" uprising sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody. That movement, along with economic demonstrations in 2019 and 2021, was met with violent crackdowns, mass arrests, and internet blackouts. The pattern has left Iranians wary that any sign of instability is met with brutal suppression. An Iranian student pointed to the truckers' strikes currently roiling parts of Iran as a sign of grassroots unrest. "These strikes are a direct message from the people," he said. "They've been largely ignored by the media, but they are powerful and legitimate. This is how change begins—if it's allowed to." The Associated Press contributed to this article source: US sanctions money laundering network aiding Iran as regime faces nuclear reprimand at IAEA
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump administration drops hammer on ‘narco sub' cocaine ring as cartels threaten US borders
Six alleged drug traffickers accused of using "narco subs" and aircraft to transport large quantities of cocaine were slapped with U.S. sanctions earlier this week, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. Two Colombians – Manuel Salazar Gutierrez and Yeison Andres Sanchez Vallejo – and four Guyanese nationals – Randolph Duncan, Himnauth Sawh, Mark Cromwell and Paul Daby Jr. – have been sanctioned for allegedly trafficking tons of cocaine from South America to the United States, Europe and the Caribbean, according to officials. "Under President [Donald] Trump, this administration has achieved the most secure border in modern history," Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender said in a statement. "The Treasury Department continues to bring our unique tools and authorities to the fight against cartels and their affiliates." Us Government Taking 'Dramatically Different Approach' Using Terrorism Charges Against Drug Cartels: Fbi Alum Officials allege that Daby Jr. and Duncan are responsible for operating the largest drug trafficking organizations throughout Guyana, relying on semi-submersible narco submarines and aircraft to transport cocaine while bribing local government officials. Sawh, a Guyanese police officer, is accused of funneling Venezuelan and Mexican drug traffickers transporting cocaine through Guyana, according to the Treasury. Cromwell, a former Guyanese police officer, is wanted by authorities for his involvement in the abduction of a fellow police officer last year. Read On The Fox News App Colombian nationals Salazar and Sanchez are aiding in aircraft smuggling by overseeing airstrips as cocaine is transported from Colombia to Guyana, the department said. Sinaloa Cartel Leaders Charged With Narco-terrorism After Authorities Seize 1.65 Tons Of Fentanyl "All property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC," the Treasury said. The sanctions come as authorities are attempting to crack down on homemade narco subs traveling through Guyana's jungles while carrying record amounts of cocaine, according to U.S. officials. The Treasury points to the country's proximity to the Caribbean and alleged corruption along its borders, ultimately allowing narco subs and aircraft to move throughout the country. "Guyana is a close partner of the United States in combating narcotics trafficking," the Treasury said in a statement. "Nevertheless, according to a 2025 State Department International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, corruption in Guyana poses a significant obstacle to its efforts to combat drug trafficking." Sanctuary Policies Fuel Latin American Gangs Smuggling Drugs, Endangering Americans: Former Dea Agent In March 2025, a cargo vessel from Guyana was discovered by authorities off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago carrying approximately 400 pounds of cocaine, the Treasury said. The packages were stamped with the Toyota logo, known to be used by the Sinaloa Cartel. Last year, U.S. and Guyanese law enforcement seized approximately 5,200 pounds of cocaine from a self-propelled narco sub operating off the coast of Guyana. The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. "Treasury will continue to expose the criminal networks that allow for drugs to be trafficked into the United States," Faulkender said. "[We will] work closely with our law enforcement colleagues and the Government of Guyana to disrupt the cartels wherever they operate."Original article source: Trump administration drops hammer on 'narco sub' cocaine ring as cartels threaten US borders
Express Tribune
06-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
US imposes new sanctions on Iran, targeting 10 individuals and 27 entities
Listen to article The US has issued a new round of Iran-related sanctions targeting 10 individuals and 27 entities, including at least two companies it said were linked to Iran's national tanker company, the US Treasury Department said on Friday. The sanctions, which target Iranian nationals and some entities in the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, were announced as US President Donald Trump's administration is working to get a new nuclear deal with Tehran. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control added Ace Petrochem FZE, and Moderate General Trading LLC, both registered in the UAE, to its Specially Designated Nationals List, freezing any of their US assets. OFAC said they are both linked to the state-owned National Iranian Tanker Company which is under US sanctions for exporting oil. Talks between Iran and the US that aim to resolve a decades-long dispute over Tehran's nuclear ambitions have been stuck over disagreements about uranium enrichment. Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
