The EU is preparing to imprison in case of violation of sanctions against Russia

The Spanish Presidency of the EU Council and the European Parliament have successfully concluded negotiations on the introduction of criminal penalties for violating EU sanctions against Russia.

Source. This was reported by the press service of the EU Council.

According to the published communiqué, the new European law is aimed at bringing to justice those who violate or circumvent EU sanctions. The document provides for the obligation of member states to qualify certain actions as criminal offenses.

The criminal acts include:

• assistance to persons subject to EU restrictive measures to circumvent the ban on travel to the EU,
• trade in goods subject to sanctions,
• conducting transactions with sanctioned states or organizations.

The category of criminal offenses also includes:

• providing financial services or conducting financial activities prohibited or restricted by sanctions,
• concealment of ownership of funds or economic resources of persons subject to EU sanctions.

The document emphasizes that the trade in military materials will be considered a criminal offense not only for intentional actions, but also in case of negligence.

In the case of intentional violation of restrictive measures, the maximum penalty is imprisonment of one to five years, depending on the nature of the crime.

In addition to imprisonment, persons who violate EU sanctions may be sentenced to a fine. Member States may decide to apply more severe penalties.

The draft law will be considered by member states at the level of the Committee of Permanent Representatives. If approved, the initiative will be formally adopted by the EU Council and the European Parliament.