Moldova sanctions: nine people, six media

Summary#

These final regulations amend the Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Regulations and took effect when they were registered on October 16, 2023 (published in the Canada Gazette on October 25, 2023). They add nine named people and six media outlets to Canada’s list of sanctioned persons, meaning Canadians and people in Canada must generally stop doing business with them.

What it does#

• Adds nine individuals to the schedule of the Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Regulations:
  • Aleksandr Valeryevich Kalinin (born February 16, 1977)
  • Grigore Ivanovich Caramalac (born May 21, 1965)
  • Vera Plahotniuc
  • Valerii Klimenco (born September 20, 1953)
  • Maria Albot (born January 21, 1986)
  • Serghei Burgudji
  • Igor Himici (born February 19, 1975)
  • Tatiana Platon
  • Arina Corşicova
• Adds six media entities to the schedule:
  • Perviy Kanal in Moldova
  • RTR Moldova
  • Accent TV
  • NTV Moldova
  • TV6
  • Orhei TV
• Creates a broad ban on dealings by any person in Canada, and by Canadians abroad, with the listed people and entities. That includes dealing in their property, entering into transactions with them, providing services to them, or otherwise making goods available to them.
• The listed names will be added to the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List to help banks and other firms comply.
• Enforcement is available through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Penalties may include a fine of up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to 1 year on summary conviction, or imprisonment for up to 5 years on indictment.

Who's affected#

• The nine named individuals and the six named media outlets in Moldova — they become subject to Canadian sanctions.
• Canadian banks, financial institutions and businesses that must screen for and block dealings with sanctioned names.
• Canadians and people physically in Canada who might otherwise transact with these persons or entities.
• It is unclear how many direct links these listed people or outlets have with Canada; the government says such links are likely limited.

Why it matters#

• The rules implement targeted asset freezes and transaction bans. That can stop money flows and business relationships involving the listed persons and outlets.
• The government says the move is meant to counter corruption, Russian influence and disinformation that threaten Moldova’s sovereignty and regional stability.
• For most members of the public, the change will only matter if you work in banking, international trade, legal compliance, journalism, or have direct dealings with the named people or organizations.