How to Report Information on Sanctions Evasion

What sanctions currently exist against Russia and who controls compliance with the sanctions?

• US Sanctions:

• Asset freeze: The assets of Russian banks and state corporations, such as Sberbank and VTB, have been blocked.
• Ban on trading in dollars and euros: Moscow suspended trading in dollars and euros on the Moscow Exchange after new US sanctions aimed at undermining Russia’s financial infrastructure were introduced. These measures make it difficult for Russian companies and individuals to access these currencies (U.S. Department of the Treasury).
• Export control: Restrictions on the supply of high-tech goods and services, including microelectronics and equipment for the oil and gas sector.
• Financial restrictions: Restrictions on transactions with Russian government debt and a ban on investment in certain sectors of the Russian economy.
• Individual sanctions: Imposed on key individuals associated with the Russian government and business, their assets are frozen, and they are banned from entering the US (U.S. Department of the Treasury) (The White House).

• EU Sanctions:

• Trade restrictions: Ban on the import and export of certain goods and technologies, including energy and raw materials.
• Payment restrictions: Operations with more than 4,500 Russian organizations, including major banks and financial institutions, are prohibited, significantly complicating international financial transactions and access to foreign currencies (U.S. Department of the Treasury).
• Individual sanctions: Imposed on Russian oligarchs, politicians, and military leaders, their assets are frozen, and they are banned from entering the EU (OFAC).

• Other international sanctions:

• Canada, the UK, Japan, and Australia have also introduced their own sanction packages, which include asset freezes, export and import bans, and financial transaction restrictions.

Who controls sanctions:

• USA: The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the US Department of the Treasury monitors compliance with sanctions, analyzes transactions, and maintains lists of sanctioned individuals and organizations.
• EU: The European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Commission coordinate and monitor the application of sanctions in EU member states.
• Other countries: Each country that imposes sanctions has relevant agencies and departments responsible for their implementation and monitoring.

Where to report information about sanctions:
If you have information about violations of the sanctions regime or circumvention of sanctions, you can report it to the relevant authorities:

• USA:

• OFAC: https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/russia-related-sanctions
• Financial institutions: Use their hotlines and specialized platforms to report violations.

• EU:

• European Commission: Special platforms and contact centers for reporting sanctions.

• Other countries:

• Contact centers and hotlines created by national financial and legal institutions to receive information about violations of the sanctions regime.

Reporting such information can help in more effective enforcement of sanctions and increase pressure on Russia due to its aggression against Ukraine.

How to report sanctions circumvention using VIDAR tools

In the context of ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, it is important to promptly report attempts to circumvent sanctions. VIDAR provides secure and anonymous methods for transmitting such information.

VIDAR tools for transmitting information

• Form on the VIDAR website:

• Fill out a special form at the top of this page to report sanctions circumvention. Provide all known details and attach relevant evidence (photos, documents, recordings, etc.).
• Link to the form on the VIDAR website (example link, adapt to the real URL).

• Social networks and bots:

• Use official Telegram bots and other VIDAR tools for anonymous information transmission.
• Chat bots provide the opportunity to transmit data securely while maintaining informants’ anonymity.

Ensuring anonymity and security

Transmitting information requires taking precautions to protect your identity and data. The following recommendations will help you stay safe:

• Using VPN:

• A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps to hide your location and encrypt internet traffic. Use reliable VPN services such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost to ensure confidentiality.

• Deleting history and chats:

• After transmitting information, delete the history of conversations and messages. Clear your browser history and delete all files that could compromise you. In messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp, use the “secret chats” feature, which allows you to set a timer for deleting messages.

• Secure transmission of information in occupied territories:

• Use secure communication channels: choose encrypted messengers (Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp).
• Avoid direct mentions of specific names and places.
• Delete data after sending: immediately delete conversations and related files.
• Be careful with photos and videos: ensure that location metadata is removed.

Benefits of using VIDAR

• Anonymity and security:

• Your data remains confidential, and your identity is hidden. The information is protected by modern encryption methods.

• Professional data processing:

• VIDAR specialists thoroughly check and transmit the information to competent authorities, ensuring its reliability and relevance.

• Consultations and support:

• You can get advice on the importance of the transmitted information and security issues, which will help avoid risks for yourself and your loved ones.

Using VIDAR community services is a reliable way to contribute to the fight for democracy against dictatorship while staying safe. Do not be afraid to transmit important data, as your information can save lives and help in the fight against the occupiers.