Fri Sep 20 08:48:24 UTC 2024: ## US Imposes Sanctions on Network Facilitating Russia-North Korea Payments

**Washington, D.C. -** The United States Treasury Department announced on September 19th the imposition of sanctions on a network of five entities and one individual accused of enabling illicit payments between Russia and North Korea. These individuals and entities are based in Russia and the Georgian region of South Ossetia.

The Treasury Department alleges that the sanctioned network has facilitated the establishment of illegal payment mechanisms between the two countries, aiding both Russian sanctions evasion and North Korean efforts to circumvent international sanctions. This action targets those “that have assisted [North Korea] and Russian sanctions evasion,” the department stated.

The move comes amid growing concerns over deepening military and financial cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Western powers have accused North Korea of selling ammunition to Russia, a move that would defy international sanctions imposed over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The US has previously sanctioned several entities and individuals involved in assisting North Korea’s ballistic missile program. This latest action underscores the US’s concern over the growing financial ties between Russia and North Korea, which the Treasury Department claims violate UN Security Council resolutions.

“Today’s action holds accountable parties that have assisted [North Korea] and Russian sanctions evasion,” stated Bradley T. Smith, Acting Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “The announcement also underscores our significant concern over efforts by Russia and North Korea to deepen financial cooperation in violation of UN resolutions.”

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