EU Establishes Minimum Rules for Prosecuting Sanctions Violations
The Council of the EU on April 12 passed a law establishing minimum rules for the prosecution of "violation or circumvention of EU sanctions in member states," the council announced. Various actions, including working to skirt a travel ban and trading in sanctioned goods, will be considered criminal offenses in all member states.
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The penalties for sanctions violations will vary by offense, but intentional sanctions violations will lead to prison time "as the maximum penalty," the council said. Violations of EU restrictive measures "may additionally be subject to fines," the council said.
Companies may also be held liable when an offense "has been committed by a person with a leading position in the organization," the council said. In those cases, the penalties may lead to the "disqualification of business activities and the withdrawal of permits and authorisations to pursue economic activities."
The rules will enter into force on the 20th day after publication in the Official Journal of the EU, after which member states will have one year to incorporate them into their national legislation.