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Written question asked by Drew Hendry (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 13 December 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 December 2023 (named day). It was answered by Leo Docherty (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 December 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Russia: Sanctions

Question

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the prosecution of individuals working for service companies which support evasion of sanctions by Russia.

Answer

The UK is committed to ensuring that our sanctions are robustly enforced, potential breaches are investigated and appropriate action is taken.

Departments from across His Majesty's Government are working together and with UK companies to ensure that sanctions are enforced, including through criminal prosecution and civil enforcement. Departments and Agencies with responsibility for criminal enforcement of sanctions refer appropriate cases to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration

The launch of the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) under DBT will enhance guidance and engagement with industry, as well as civil enforcement of trade sanctions, including those on services. The Government also announced a new Economic Deterrence Initiative in the 2023 Integrated Review Refresh. With funding of up to £50 million over two years, the initiative is maximising the impact of our trade, transport and financial sanctions, and improving implementation and enforcement including by cracking down on evasion. Through these funds HMG is recruiting more civil and criminal investigators to bear down on people and businesses in breach of sanctions.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
6842
Session
2023-24
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Prosecutions Sanctions Service industries Russia
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk