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Written question asked by John Healey (Labour) on Monday, 20 November 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 November 2023. It was answered by Nigel Huddleston (Conservative) on Monday, 27 November 2023 on behalf of the Treasury.

Sanctions: Russia

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 16 November 2023 to Question 694 on Russia: Defence Equipment, how many (a) allegations have been received, (b) investigations have taken place and (c) penalties have been issued in relation to UK sanctions against Russia since February 2022.

Answer

HMRC has been enforcing sanctions against Russia since 2014. Since increased sanctions were announced on 24 February 2022, HMRC has implemented a number of measures which aim to prevent the exportation and importation of restricted goods and respond to breaches of those sanctions.

This includes increased border checks in collaboration with Border Force, trader awareness products and where appropriate the criminal investigation of any breaches, with a view to achieving an enforcement outcome such as a fine or prosecution.

HMRC is conducting multiple ongoing investigations into credible reports of sanctions and export control offences, including controls on the supply of defence equipment to Russia and other countries. These investigations can take a year or more to conclude. The department does not comment on individual investigations.

Since February 2022, HMRC has fined five UK companies through the Compound Settlement scheme for breaches of the UK’s trade sanctions on Russia. Three of these fines have been published in the Notice To Exporters and the other two will be published soon: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/notices-to-exporters#notices-to-exporters-2023.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
2486
Session
2023-24
Related items
Arms Trade: Russia
Thursday, 16 November 2023
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Sanctions Russia
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk