Frequently Asked Questions

1199. Can a claim be paid under a policy issued to a blocked individual or entity if the payment is to an innocent third-party (for example, the injured party in an automobile accident)?

1199 … The insurance company should contact OFAC for additional guidance. OFAC will work with you on the specifics of the case. Although authorizing payments to blocked persons is rarely aligned with the U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives of OFAC sanctions, circumstances may weigh… Read more

1200. If a non-sanctioned person files a claim with their insurance company for a loss caused by a blocked person, such as a designated terrorist organization, is the insurance company permitted to pay the claim?

1200 … OFAC is aware that insurers at times receive claims from non-sanctioned persons in non-comprehensively sanctioned jurisdictions for losses caused by individuals or entities on OFAC's List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN List). For example, a U.S. insurance company… Read more

1201. What authorizations exist for diplomatic or consular missions operating in or outside of Russia and Russian diplomatic or consular missions operating abroad?

1201 … The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued several authorizations related to U.S. and third-country diplomatic or consular missions operating in or outside of Russia and Russian diplomatic or consular missions operating abroad. Russian Diplomatic or Consular Missions, Wherever… Read more

1202. Following the November 21, 2024 designation of Russian financial institutions, Treasury has now designated a significant number of financial institutions in Russia. Will this negatively impact the processing of personal, non-commercial remittances to or from Russia?

1202 … No. Treasury's sanctions target Russian financial institutions that have continued to help Russia gain access to the critical goods it needs to prosecute its war in Ukraine. As a general matter, personal, non-commercial remittances are not the target of sanctions imposed by the United States… Read more

1136. Can U.S. persons purchase bonds issued by the Government of Venezuela or Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) prior to August 25, 2017 on the secondary market?

1136 … Yes. On October 18, 2023, OFAC issued amended General Licenses (GLs) 3I and 9H , to remove the restriction that any divestment by U.S. persons of holdings in GL 3I Bonds (as defined in GL 3I and FAQ 662 ) or PdVSA Securities (as defined in GL 9H and FAQ 661 ) must be to non-U.S. persons. GL… Read more

1137. For purposes of General License (GL) 45B, “Authorizing Certain Repatriation Transactions Involving Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronáuticas y Servicios Aéreos, S.A.,” what countries are included in the “Western Hemisphere”?

1137 … For the purposes of GL 45B, OFAC considers the term “Western Hemisphere” to mean those countries and areas identified by the Department of State on its website as comprising the Western Hemisphere. Please see: Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs - United States Department of State. Date… Read more

1138. What does Directive 1 under Executive Order 14014, “Prohibitions Related to Financial Services to or for the Benefit of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise” (MOGE Financial Services Directive) prohibit?

1138 … Pursuant to the MOGE Financial Services Directive , the following activities by a U.S. person are prohibited on or after December 15, 2023: the provision, exportation, or rexportation, directly or indirectly, of financial services to or for the benefit of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE… Read more

1139. Does the 50 Percent Rule apply to Directive 1 under Executive Order 14014, “Prohibitions Related to Financial Services to or for the Benefit of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise” (MOGE Financial Services Directive)?

1139 … Yes. The prohibitions in the MOGE Financial Services Directive apply to MOGE “or its property or interests in property,” including any entity, such as a subsidiary or joint venture, that is 50 percent or more owned, directly or indirectly, by MOGE, except to the extent otherwise provided by… Read more

1140. In light of the designation of Orka Holding, are U.S. persons authorized to engage in transactions related to the provision of medicine, medical devices, and medical services involving Orka Holding and its subsidiaries?

1140 … Yes. As a general matter, humanitarian trade is not the target of U.S. sanctions. Concurrent with the designation of Orka Holding AD, OFAC issued Western Balkans General License (GL) 3 , which authorizes all transactions involving Orka Holding AD related to: (1) the production,… Read more

1141. Does Venezuela General License (GL) 45B authorize U.S. persons to provide certain services, including refueling services, repair, and maintenance, to blocked Conviasa aircraft that are carrying out flights for the exclusive purpose of repatriating Venezuelan nationals from a third country in the Western Hemisphere to Venezuela?

1141 … Yes. Date updated: March 01, 2024 … Does Venezuela General License (GL) 45B authorize U.S. persons to provide certain services, including refueling services, repair, and maintenance, to blocked Conviasa aircraft that are carrying out flights for the exclusive purpose of repatriating… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence