The UK has issued its first nationwide alert against the A7 Network, a Kremlin-backed group that relies on third-country financial institutions to bypass sanctions, as Chancellor John Healy intensifies economic pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The alert, announced jointly by the National Crime Agency and the government on Monday, August 31, aims to help the private sector crack down on sanctions evasion and ensure Russia pays the full price of its actions.
New measures to block sanctions evasion
The alert outlines new measures to prevent Putin from dodging sanctions to fund the war against Ukraine. The A7 Network depends on third-country financial institutions and unlawfully exploits the international financial system to execute cross-border transactions and evade sanctions.
Healy used his first international meetings to forge a coalition targeting covert Russian networks funding the war. The Chancellor will also increase the maximum penalty available to the Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) from 50% to 100% of the value of a sanctions breach.
UK sanctions regime intensifies
Since the full-scale invasion began, the UK has imposed one of the world's most comprehensive sanctions regimes, targeting individuals, entities and vessels connected to the Kremlin. In 2026 alone, the UK has sanctioned more than 500 individuals, entities and ships under the Russia sanctions regime.
In August, the government unveiled a major sanctions package targeting Russian banks, shadow fleet vessels and businesses supporting the Kremlin.
Government and Russia trade statements
"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."
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 responded: "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."
