Canada has imposed additional sanctions targeting 23 individuals who Canada believes “are members of the Russian justice and security sectors, including police officers and investigators, prosecutors, judges, and prison officials, involved in gross and systematic human rights violations against Russian opposition leaders”. These sanctions were implemented in response to “the persecution of the brave Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza”, as described in an announcement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on November 14, 2022. These sanctions came into effect on November 10, 2022.

These sanctions were announced shortly after Canada announced further amendments to the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations on October 28, 2022 to sanction 35 individuals who Canada believes are “senior officials of energy entities, including those of Gazprom and its subsidiaries” as well as 6 entities involved in the energy sector “involved in Russia’s ongoing violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

We have significant experience in the design and implementation of sanctions-related compliance programs and internal investigations. Where breaches are identified, we work closely with clients in making voluntary disclosures and in engaging with the ensuing investigations conducted by the RCMP and Global Affairs Canada. We also regularly assist clients with the application for delisting process as well as applications for exemption permits, including under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Permit Authorization Order.