OFSI issues penalty to company for Russia sanctions breach
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has issued a £300,000 penalty on Markom Management Limited (MML) for breaching UK financial sanctions against Russia. The breach involved MML instructing a payment of £416,590.92 to a designated individual subject to an asset freeze under sanctions introduced following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. MML acted with knowledge of the recipient’s designation and failed to implement adequate compliance and control measures. This enforcement action underscores the necessity for all firms to assess their exposure to sanctions risks, maintain robust compliance systems and promptly report suspected breaches to the OFSI.