The National Crime Agency (NCA) has issued an alert to financial institutions and other regulated entities in the UK, cautioning them about Russia’s attempts to procure UK-sanctioned goods through intermediary countries. Sanctions imposed on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine have limited its ability to acquire products, including military supplies, internationally. To bypass these restrictions, Russia is utilizing complex supply chains and alternative routes to obtain sanctioned items. The NCA, in collaboration with various government departments, has provided guidance to help businesses identify potential suspicious transactions, emphasizing red flags such as significant overpayments, transactions with entities lacking web presence, or items/services inconsistent with the purchaser’s normal business. The alert is relevant not only to the regulated sector but also to other sectors involved in anti-money laundering efforts, such as customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers. The warning underscores the need for enhanced due diligence to ensure that sanctioned products do not reach Russia.
By FCCT Editorial Team