This interim report aims to analyze the gap between the methods used to circumvent international sanctions against Russia and the current enforcement mechanisms. The study focuses on identifying actionable solutions to enhance the effectiveness of sanctions, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict, and will present findings to the European Parliament and Commission.
The research identifies significant enforcement gaps due to inadequate coordination among national and international entities. It emphasizes the potential of leveraging investigative journalism to enhance enforcement mechanisms and highlights the critical role of civil society in this process. Initial findings suggest a need for legal expertise to transform journalistic investigations into actionable judicial inquiries.
The methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of eight documented cases of sanctions circumvention, expert interviews with investigative journalists, and insights from entities like the Global Anti-Corruption Consortium (GACC). The analysis focused on circumvention methods, geographic specifics, and the actors involved.
Policy Recommendations
1. Comprehensive Sanctions Database: Establish a centralized database for sanctioned entities to improve compliance and enforcement.
2. Sanctions Circumvention Database: Create a detailed repository of circumvention cases to aid enforcement agencies.
3. Enhancement of Civil Society's Role: Support civil society organizations in assembling evidence packages for authorities to facilitate enforcement actions.
4. Engagement with Legal Experts: Involve legal professionals to help translate journalistic discoveries into legally actionable evidence.
5.Understanding Circumvention Motivations: Conduct qualitative research to comprehend motivations behind sanctions evasion, allowing for more targeted enforcement strategies.
The report concludes that overcoming the challenges posed by sanctions circumvention requires a collaborative effort between investigative journalists, civil society, and enforcement bodies, alongside a nuanced understanding of the circumvention landscape. Further findings and recommendations will be detailed in the final report.
Contact Information For additional information, readers are encouraged to contact the Research Center “Collective Action Brussels Think Tank” (CABT) at info@cabt.team