The US will increase fines for companies that knew about the violation of sanctions but did not report it
In particular, Microsoft voluntarily informed the authorities about the supply of its software to companies in Crimea
The United States continues to enforce sanctions in various ways. In particular, in a new order of the Ministry of Commerce it is said, if companies identify possible cases of violation of export control measures, but do not notify the government, this will be an "aggravating circumstance" for punishment.
This is stated in the order, which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.
In particular, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) may impose fines on companies whose dual-use products have fallen into the wrong hands, primarily Russia, China, and Iran.
However, the BIS can reduce the fine if the company voluntarily reports the violation.
Until now, the regulator has rewarded companies for voluntarily reporting problems, but did not increase the penalty for concealing them. Now, the new rules will be applied in cases where there is a deliberate concealment of significant possible violations.
Recently, in February, the US Department of Commerce agreed to partner with the Department of Justice: joint investigations will allow not only to issue fines but also to bring criminal charges in case of serious violations.
In early April, the two agencies announced that Microsoft would pay $3 million for the use of its software and services by people and companies in Crimea, which were subject to US sanctions after its annexation in 2014, as well as several sanctioned individuals in Cuba, Syria, and Iran.
The violations took place until April 2019; in total, more than $12 million worth of products were sold to the sanctioned persons. After learning about this, Microsoft voluntarily informed the authorities.
Background. As reported, an entrepreneur was arrested in the United States on suspicion of trading with Kurchenko, who is under sanctions.
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