The British government announced the establishment of a new enforcement unit aimed at enhancing its ability to enforce sanctions against Russia.
The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) will focus on the civil enforcement of trade sanctions. This includes investigating possible violations, imposing penalties, and forwarding cases for criminal prosecution.
The OTSI will also assist businesses in adhering to sanctions, as stated by the Department for Business and Trade.
It will oversee activities related to sanctions evasion, including those involving UK nationals or UK-registered companies that might be bypassing sanctions by routing products through other countries.
Scheduled to start operations early next year, the unit will operate in conjunction with the already-established Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation. The initiative is part of the UK’s broader effort to impede Russian military capabilities.
Nusrat Ghani, Britain’s Industry and Economic Security Minister emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to halting President Vladimir Putin’s military operations.
Ghani asserted that the new measures would strengthen the UK’s stance against those evading sanctions and send a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.
The announcement comes in the wake of Britain’s recent warning about Russia‘s attempts to sidestep sanctions. The government has introduced 46 new sanctions targeting individuals and entities from various countries, including China, Turkey, Serbia, the UAE, and Uzbekistan, for their involvement in Russia’s military supply chains.
