The United Kingdom has inaugurated the new anti-corruption sanctions regime: 22 subjects in the crosshairs, 14 are Russians. The US Treasury applauds and “calls” the EU
The British government of Boris Johnson ushered in the new global corruption sanctions regime by imposing restrictive measures on 22 individuals “involved in known corruption cases in Russia, South Africa, South Sudan and Latin America” and cashing in on US support from Joe Biden.
I 22 UNDER SANCTIONS
As reported on the London government website, this first wave strikes: 14 individuals involved in the $ 230 million tax fraud discovered by Sergei Magnitsky, Russian lawyer opposing the president Vladimir Putin died in prison in 2009 under suspicious circumstances after being arrested the year before, accused of tax fraud; brothers Ajay, Atul e Rajesh Gupta, a wealthy family of Indian descent with business interests in South Africa, and their very loyal one Salim Essa; the Sudanese businessman Ashraf Seed Ahmed Hussein Ali, known as Al Cardinal, for widespread embezzlement which contributed to the instability and ongoing conflict in the country; several people involved in drug trafficking and embezzlement in South America.
Estimates suggest over 2% of global GDP is lost to corruption every year.
The UK is committed to tackling this problem and targeting those who enable it.
Today, UK Foreign Sec @DominicRaab launches our new Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime.
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) April 26, 2021
A SCREW WITH FLY
“Global Britain”, as the British government defines the UK post-Brexit, “stands for democracy, good governance and the rule of law,” said the foreign minister. Dominic Raab. “We say to those involved in serious corruption: we will not tolerate you or your dirty money in our country.” Words that, if read also in the light of the 14 out of 22 Russian sanctions, seem to signal the desire for a decisive change of pace by London, whose recent review integrated strategic security, defense, development and foreign policy lists Russia as “the greatest danger to our security”. Suffice it to say that only a year ago in the “Russia report”, a 55-page document published in July by the Intelligence and Security Committee of the British Parliament, read the following: “The merger of state, business and organized and serious crime provides additional weight and influence: Russia is capable of posing an all-encompassing threat to security – which is fueled by paranoia about the West and a desire to be seen as a great resurgent power. “
AMERICAN SUPPORT
With a note Janet Yellen, US Treasury Secretary, welcomed the British decision. “The UK’s new global anti-corruption sanction regime provides opportunities for the US and the UK to take complementary sanctioning action where appropriate, amplifying the impact of our respective sanctions.” And again: “Sanctions, however, are only a tool. In addition to sanctions, the Treasury will also support global efforts to fight corruption by providing guidance to financial institutions; technical assistance; and engagement with private and foreign sector partners to encourage reform, ensure that corrupt officials are held accountable, and that vulnerabilities to corruption are addressed. Finally, it says, “the United States is looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the United Kingdom and other allies to defend human rights.” A signal in London, but also in Brussels, reaffirmed in a tweet also by Antony Blink, secretary of state.
We commend the UK’s establishment of its Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regime. Together, along with other allies and partners who seek to promote our shared values with similar tools, we will ensure corrupt actors will not have access to our financial systems.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 26, 2021