Sanctions Added Against Russia-linked Paramilitary Network

Summary#

These final regulations — Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations: SOR/2025-62 — add 10 people and 21 organizations to the Canadian sanctions list (Schedule 1). The change took effect on March 1, 2025 and generally freezes dealings with the newly listed names and makes them inadmissible to Canada.

What it does#

• Adds 10 named individuals (mostly leaders of post‑Wagner paramilitary groups and one senior military figure) to Schedule 1 of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations.
• Adds 21 named entities (paramilitary groups and companies linked to resource extraction and support networks) to Schedule 1.
• Prohibits any person in Canada, and Canadians abroad, from dealing in property of, entering into transactions with, providing services to, transferring property to, or otherwise making goods available to the listed persons — unless an exceptional permit or specific exception applies.
• Makes listed persons inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Allows listed persons to apply to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to seek removal from the list; the Minister may recommend removal to the Governor in Council.
• Requires financial institutions to add these names to their sanctions monitoring systems.
• Sets criminal penalties for knowing breaches: a fine up to $25,000 or imprisonment up to 1 year on summary conviction, or imprisonment up to 5 years on indictment.
• The rules apply from the day they were registered (they also apply before publication).

Who's affected#

• The 10 individuals and 21 entities named in the amendments — they face asset and transaction restrictions and travel inadmissibility.
• Canadians, people in Canada, and Canadian businesses that might deal with those people or entities. That includes banks and other financial firms required to screen and block transactions.
• Global Affairs Canada, which administers the sanctions and handles permits and outreach.
• Law enforcement agencies that may enforce the rules: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Why it matters#

• These measures further cut off financial and commercial ties to specific paramilitary groups and businesses tied to Russia’s activities in Ukraine and elsewhere. That can make it harder for those groups to raise money, buy equipment, or use international services.
• For Canadians and businesses, the practical effect is mostly compliance: banks and exporters must screen for the new names and avoid prohibited dealings unless a permit is granted.
• The listing also signals Canada’s continued alignment with international partners targeting these networks, and it can affect the ability of the named groups to operate internationally.