The UK has issued its first-ever nationwide alert aimed at supporting the private sector in cracking down on sanctions evasion, as Chancellor John Healy calls for increased international pressure on Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine.
The alert, issued jointly by the National Crime Agency and the government on Monday, August 31, targets covert Russian networks that have attempted to circumvent international financial and trade sanctions. It also aims to prevent Russian attempts to regain access to UK financial systems.
Chancellor's first international meetings
Healy used his first international meetings to build an international coalition to target covert Russian networks funding the war, the government said on Monday.
The A7 Network, which relies on third-country financial institutions, has used the illicit use of the international financial system to complete cross-border transactions and circumvent sanctions.
Doubling fines for sanctions breaches
As part of the new measures, the Chancellor will double the maximum fine available to the Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) from 50% to 100% of the value of a sanctions breach.
Allies slapped Russia with sanctions after its invasion of Ukraine more than four years ago in an effort to choke the machine funding the war. Since the full-scale invasion began, the UK has imposed one of the world's most extensive sanctions regimes, targeting individuals, entities and vessels linked to the Kremlin.
Sanctions package and official responses
In 2026 alone, the UK has imposed sanctions on more than 500 individuals, entities and ships under the Russia sanctions regime. In August, the government introduced a major sanctions package targeting Russian banks, shadow fleet vessels and businesses supporting the Kremlin.
"We are ramping up the economic pressure on Putin and leaving those aiding his illegal war with nowhere to hide," Healy said. "The UK and our allies must step up our international cooperation to expose sanctions evasion, and disrupt the financial networks fuelling Russia's aggression. Our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is unshakeable. We will bear down on those propping up Putin's war as we push to secure a just and lasting peace."
Healy's move echoes the comments of the country's defence ministry. Russia's embassy in London in August accused Britain of becoming "an accomplice and co-perpetrator" of the attacks and of "deliberately opting for an escalation" in the conflict.
The Ministry of Defence said in response: "Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and we are committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Putin's illegal invasion. Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this Government to stand against Russian aggression, in Ukraine and against the UK and our allies."
