Sanctions

Sanctions are a common feature of the international business landscape. They can be very challenging for businesses to negotiate, ranging from a lengthy and rapidly changing list of financial sanctions maintained by HM Treasury to some really obscure provisions on the Military List. This is an area where companies may offend without any intention of doing so.

Breaching sanctions is frequently a criminal offence. Many investigations by regulatory and investigatory bodies may not begin with a focus on sanctions but they can swiftly become a feature. Sometimes an inadvertent breach may not result in prosecution but for investigating authorities a prohibited transaction presents an easy target. Prosecution for breaching sanctions can inflict enormous reputational damage.

Our skill is in maximising the chance of avoiding prosecution. Our experience in representing companies and individuals facing the threat and in some cases reality of prosecution for breaching sanctions means we offer some of the best advice available.