Syrian and Lebanese actors sanctioned

The Treasury Department on Tuesday announced that OFAC has taken action in coordination with counterparts in the United Kingdom to designate key individuals supporting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the production or export of Captagon, a dangerous amphetamine. These designations, some of which are being implemented pursuant to the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act of 2019 also highlight the important role of Lebanese drug traffickers — some of whom maintain ties to Hizballah — in facilitating the export of Captagon. OFAC's action also underscores the al-Assad family dominance of illicit Captagon trafficking and its funding for the oppressive Syrian regime.

As a result of Tuesday’s action, all property and interests in property of these persons that are in or come within the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. OFAC regulations generally prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or within the United States (including transactions transiting the United States) that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

For the names and identification information of the designated parties, see this BankersOnline OFAC Update.