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Frequently Asked Questions

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401. OFAC’s 50 Percent Rule states that the property and interests in property of entities directly or indirectly owned 50 percent or more in the aggregate by one or more blocked persons are considered blocked. How does OFAC interpret indirect ownership as it relates to certain complex ownership structures?

"Indirectly," as used in OFAC’s 50 Percent Rule, refers to one or more blocked persons' ownership of shares of an entity through another entity or entities that are 50 percent or more owned in the aggregate by the blocked person(s). OFAC urges persons consider ... Read more

5. How do I determine if I have a valid OFAC match?

If you are calling about a wire transfer or other "live" transaction:Step 1. Is the "hit" or "match" against OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, one of its other sanctions lists, or targeted countries, or is it "hitting" for some other reason (i. ... Read more

Recently Added FAQs

OFAC has issued two General Licenses (GLs) relating specifically to Lukoil International GmbH (LIG) and its majority-owned subsidiaries (“LIG Entities”):  GL 128B and GL 131A.  The GLs are similar but have different expiration dates and terms as each ... Read more
On October 22, 2025, OFAC designated PJSC Lukoil (Lukoil) to increase pressure on Russia’s energy sector and degrade Russia’s ability to raise revenue for its war machine.  OFAC is aware of potential efforts by Lukoil to divest its assets outside of Russi ... Read more