US publishes new sanctions list with Cypriot entities, raises concerns

In a recent development, the United States released a new sanctions list on Friday (19/05), which includes the names of several Cypriot citizens and entities. Notably, the list reveals the presence of Cypriot companies involved in alleged sanctions violations. Among the entities listed are a shipping company, two general service providers, and one operating in the passport and citizenship sector.

See the list HERE.

The Cypriot companies mentioned in the list are as follows:

1. AQUILA CAPITAL GROUP, also known as ACG FINANCE LIMITED and EI SI DZHI FAINENS LIMITED PREDSTAVITELSTVO, with addresses at Elenion Building, Floor No: 2, Themistokli Dervi 5, Nicosia 1066, Cyprus, and d. 23 Str. 1 of 2, Naberezhnaya Savvinskaya, Moscow 119435, Russia. This organization was established on October 24, 2005, and holds Tax ID No. 9909197551 in Russia. It is registered under the number C167057 in Cyprus. [RUSSIA-EO14024]

2. HURIYA PRIVATE CYPRUS LTD, located at 157 Athalassas, Strovolos 2015, Cyprus. This entity was established on February 26, 2021. It falls under the category of a private company and is registered with the number C418778 in Cyprus. [RUSSIA-EO14024] (Linked To: HANAFIN, John Desmond)

3. HURIYA PRIVATE FZE LLE, with offices at Suite 1601 Lake Central Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Nuschelerstrasse 31, PO Box 8022, Zurich, Switzerland; Office 1919, 19 floor, The E18hteen Tower, Lusail, Doha, Qatar; Fujairah, United Arab Emirates; Albania; and Cyprus. The organization was established in 2018 and operates in the field of other financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding activities, n.e.c. [RUSSIA-EO14024]

4. ROBARIN LTD, located at Vanezis Business Center, Flat No: 401S, Floor No: 4, Archiepiskopou Makariou III 171, Limassol 3027, Cyprus. This entity was established on June 15, 2018, and is registered with the number C385226 in Cyprus. [RUSSIA-EO14024] (Linked To: SCHMUCKI, Anselm Oskar)

Initially, there was confusion as it was believed that the list released earlier by the US Treasury was entirely new. However, it turned out to be an administrative update to the April 12 sanctions. Contrary to expectations, the so-called "new sanctions lists" did not introduce any new names. Instead, the update informed the public that the individuals and entities on the April 12 list, already subjected to sanctions, now face a complete freeze of their assets by the authorities.

It is worth mentioning that on the same day, the British Government also published its own fresh sanctions list. However, unlike the US list, it did not include any Cypriot names. The British list specifically targeted 86 individuals and legal entities involved in violating the restrictions imposed on Russia's access to the international financial system.

[Information sourced from Kathimerini.com.cy]