Sanctioned persons: Overview, definition, and example
What are sanctioned persons?
Sanctioned persons refer to individuals or entities that are subject to legal sanctions imposed by governments, international organizations, or other regulatory bodies. These sanctions can include restrictions on travel, financial transactions, trade, or business dealings due to the person's or entity's involvement in activities such as terrorism, money laundering, human rights abuses, or violations of international law. Sanctioned persons are typically listed on government or international sanctions lists, such as the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List or the United Nations Sanctions List.
Sanctions are used as a tool for enforcing international law and foreign policy. Entities and individuals dealing with sanctioned persons may be prohibited from engaging in business transactions or financial activities with them, as these actions can be seen as supporting or enabling illegal activities.
Why are sanctioned persons important?
Sanctioned persons are important because they are individuals or entities that pose a risk to national or international security, stability, and economic integrity. By sanctioning such persons, governments and international organizations aim to limit their ability to engage in illegal activities or harm others. These sanctions play a key role in combatting financial crime, human trafficking, and terrorism.
For businesses, it’s crucial to ensure they are not conducting business with sanctioned persons, as doing so can result in severe legal and financial consequences, including fines, penalties, or reputational damage. Compliance with sanctions laws is essential for companies that operate internationally or deal with foreign governments, as it helps prevent inadvertent support of unlawful activities.
Understanding sanctioned persons through an example
Imagine a company based in the U.S. that has international clients. The company receives a large order from a new client in a foreign country and begins processing the payment. However, after conducting due diligence, the company discovers that the client is listed as a sanctioned entity due to its involvement in illegal activities such as money laundering or terrorism financing.
In this case, the company cannot proceed with the transaction without violating U.S. sanctions laws. Doing business with a sanctioned person could lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines and the freezing of assets. As a result, the company must refuse the transaction and ensure they are not in violation of sanctions regulations.
Example of a sanctioned persons clause
Here’s how a sanctioned persons clause might look in a contract:
“The Company represents and warrants that neither it, nor any of its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, or agents, is a Sanctioned Person, nor are they owned or controlled by a Sanctioned Person. The Company further agrees not to engage in any business or financial transactions with Sanctioned Persons or entities, and acknowledges that any breach of this provision shall result in the immediate termination of this Agreement and may subject the Company to legal penalties.”
Conclusion
Sanctioned persons are those who have been subject to legal restrictions due to their involvement in illegal activities or violations of international laws. For businesses and individuals, it is essential to be aware of and comply with sanctions laws to avoid legal risks, financial penalties, and reputational damage.
Understanding the implications of dealing with sanctioned persons helps businesses take the necessary precautions to ensure compliance with national and international regulations. By conducting proper due diligence and maintaining awareness of sanctions lists, businesses can protect themselves from inadvertently violating sanctions and engaging in illegal activities.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.