US imposes sanctions against 2 companies controlled by criminal groups

The US government has imposed economic sanctions against two companies which it said are controlled by members of the Brothers’ Circle, a large multi-ethnic Eurasian criminal network. The sanctions will affect the company Avuar registered in Samara, Russia, and Guga Arm SRO, based in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, the Department of the Treasury said on Wednesday, July 24. It said these companies ate “linked to individuals acting on behalf of a key member of the Brothers’ Circle.” These Transnational Criminal Organisations (TCOs) continue to use various methods to conceal the proceeds earned from their illicit activities and maintain access to the international financial system. “Today’s action against key members of criminal organizations that engage in serious crimes around the world is a continuation of our systematic effort to expose and disrupt these dangerous groups and protect the U.S. financial system from their illicit activity,” Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen said. The sanctions will freeze any assets these individuals and businesses may have within the jurisdiction of the United States and generally prohibits any transactions with them by U.S. persons. Up to date, the Treasury Department has designated 34 individuals and entities related to TCOs and has exposed their activity ranging from Europe to Asia to the Middle East. The Treasury Department said it would continue to target additional members and supporters of these groups, as well as identify other significant TCOs, in order to expose and disrupt their criminal operations and protect the U.S. financial system from abuse. The Brothers’ Circle is a multi-ethnic criminal group composed of leaders and senior members of several Eurasian criminal groups largely based in countries of the former Soviet Union but extending to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Up to date, the Treasury Department has designated 16 individuals connected with the Brothers’ Circle, including both Brothers’ Circle members and their subordinates.