UK Sanctions 38 Russia-Linked Targets, Including Crypto-Payment Platforms and 12 Tankers

The UK Government imposed asset freezing sanctions on three individuals (one in Kyrgyzstan, one in the Netherlands and one in Russia), 23 entities (14 in Russia, three in Kyrgyzstan, three in China, one in Canada, one in Thailand and one in Türkiye) and 12 vessels under its Russia Sanctions Regime. The entities include a Moscow bank and four payment and crypto platforms, among them Canada-based owner of Cryptomus and Heleket, designated for operating in the Russian financial services sector. Others were designated for operating in the Russian defence and energy sectors or for supplying goods and technology that could contribute to destabilising Ukraine. The vessels were designated for carrying Russian-origin oil or oil products to third countries. The UK also expanded measures on Rostec (internet services and correspondent banking sanctions) and HeliCo Group (detained transport sanctions). Following the designation of Zarubezhneft JSC, OFSI has issued the Zarubezhneft JSC Wind Down General Licence (INT/2026/11080040). The General Licence permits the wind down or divestment of transactions involving Zarubezhneft JSC and entities it owns or controls directly or indirectly. It also permits activities reasonably necessary to complete that wind down or divestment. The General Licence takes effect from 8 October 2026 and expires at 23:59 on 21 November 2026.