Customer has Brother who lives in Russia. His niece is going to school here in the US. Bother has not been able to send his daughter any funds due to sanctions. Customer has been helping her financial due to current circumstances.

The question is: What is the best way for Brother to send Customer money to pay him back? I know he will not be able to send a wire. What are other options in this case?

Brother lives in Vladivostok. Said he could travel into North Korea, but I'm not sure that would work either.

Help please!

Why in the world is the bank even involved in this conversation?

I agree with Brian. Based on "Bother has not been able to send his daughter any funds due to sanctions." do you plan on aiding and abetting the violation of sanctions?

Nope! He is trying to figure out if it's an option at this time. I think the North Korea part came into play because it's about a 4 hour drive to get there, so drivable. Brother is just trying to figure out how to pay Customer back for what he's helped with so far.

So, long story short, he cannot do anything until sanctions are lifted, correct?

Long story short is that he needs to be talking to his own legal counsel and the bank should keep their mouths shut on questions like this.

North Korea - are you kidding me?

Perfect. That's what I needed to know. Thanks!

i think the bank's response is there are sanctions in place against banks in russia and therefore any transaction can't be performed through your bank at this time. refer them to OFAC if they want further details.

No matter what he wants to de he most likely will be evading sanctions. If you know the brothers name, I would place it in a Blacklist if you have the capabilities.

If his "Legal Counsel" devises a way, it most likely will be evading sanctions.

Trying to avoid Russian sanctions is bad for the bank and a layer deeper adding in North Korea. I think you should also inform your own legal team or executive management. I would clue in my whole team and BSA committee to a story like this. More than likely it is already over but it is kind to keep all informed.

That said, it sucks. Hope the guy and family get by just fine. Good luck.

Thank you all for your responses. My brain was telling me there were no options, but I wanted to make sure I hadn't missed something. Hadn't thought of the 'evading' part, good point.