30 Individuals Added to Russia Sanctions

Summary#

These final regulations amend the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add 30 people to Canada’s sanctions list for their role in Russia’s actions in occupied parts of Ukraine. The new listings took effect on the day the regulations were registered, December 8, 2023, and were published in the Canada Gazette on December 20, 2023.

What it does#

• Adds 30 individuals to Schedule 1 of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations.
• Those listed are subject to Canada’s broad dealings ban (an asset freeze). That means people in Canada and Canadians abroad are generally prohibited from dealing with the listed persons or their property.
• The names will be added to the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List so banks and others can check for matches.
• Enforcement can be carried out by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
• Penalties for knowingly breaking the rules include a fine of up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to one year on summary conviction, or imprisonment for up to five years on indictment.
• The listings respond to elections held by Russia in occupied Ukrainian territory on September 8–10, 2023. The amendments came into force on registration (December 8, 2023).

Who's affected#

• The primary targets are the 30 named Russian individuals who ran in the Kremlin-organized votes in occupied parts of Ukraine.
• Canadian banks, other financial institutions and compliance officers will need to update screening systems and block any prohibited dealings.
• Businesses and organizations that might otherwise engage with those individuals (or their property) will be barred from doing so.
• Most Canadians are unlikely to be directly affected; Global Affairs Canada expects limited links between the listed persons and Canada.
• Global Affairs Canada administers and communicates the listings; enforcement is led by the RCMP and CBSA.

Why it matters#

• The change tightens Canada’s economic pressure on people seen as helping Russia solidify control over occupied Ukrainian territory.
• For the listed individuals it restricts access to Canadian financial services and property.
• For Canadian banks and businesses, it means a small compliance burden to screen and block dealings with the newly listed people.
• The change also signals alignment with key allies who have taken similar steps after the September 2023 elections in occupied Ukraine.