Iran sanctions: six people and two entities added

Summary#

These final regulations amend the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations to add six individuals and two entities to Canada’s sanctions list. The measures took effect when they were registered on November 10, 2022, and forbid certain dealings with the newly listed people and companies.

What it does#

• Adds the entities Shahed Aviation Industries and Qods Aviation Industries to Schedule 1 (subject to sanctions).
• Adds these individuals to Schedule 1:
  • Part 2: Sayed Hojatollah Qureishi, Saeed Aghajani (also known as Hamid Aghajani), Seyyed Yahya Safavi (born 1952, also known as Rahim Safavi).
  • Part 2.1: Ali Azadi, Abbas Abdi, Seyyed Ali Safari.
• Creates a broad “dealings” ban: anyone in Canada, and Canadians abroad, are prohibited from dealing with property of, entering into transactions with, providing services to, or otherwise making goods available to the listed persons and entities.
• The names will be added to the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List for use by banks and other institutions.
• Enforcement authorities named include the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Penalties can include a fine of up to $25,000, imprisonment up to 1 year on summary conviction, or up to 5 years on indictment.

Who's affected#

• The newly listed individuals and the two named entities.
• People and businesses in Canada, and Canadian businesses abroad, that might hold assets or do business with those listed.
• Financial institutions and other service providers that must screen customers and freeze or block transactions tied to listed persons.
• It’s unclear from the notice whether any specific Canadian companies or assets are directly tied to the newly listed names; the government says links to Canada are likely limited.

Why it matters#

• These are targeted sanctions intended to pressure Iran over alleged gross human rights violations and actions that threaten international peace and security.
• Practically, affected individuals and entities will find it hard or illegal to move money, sell goods, or get services through Canada. Banks and businesses will need to screen and block transactions tied to them.
• For the public, this is a diplomatic signal: Canada is aligning with allies in restricting people and companies connected to Iran’s weapons development and human rights abuses, and supporting international accountability for those actions.