1963-05-04

Belarus

Belarusian businessman Mikalai Varabei (Varabei), who is also sanctioned by Canada, the European Union (EU), and the United Kingdom (UK), is a Belarusian oligarch closely tied to Lukashenka.  Being in Lukashenka’s inner circle pays dividends for Varabei and businesses owned by or linked to him.  For example, the Lukashenka regime granted Varabei’s company BelKazTrans exclusive control over the transit of coal through Belarus.  Novopolotsk Limited Liability Company Interservice (Interservice), which used to be owned by Varabei, is one of the largest oil traders in Belarus.  Its subsidiaries include Absolutbank and Industrial Unitary Enterprise Oil Bitumen Plant (OBP).  In 2020, another company formerly owned by Varabei, Closed Joint-Stock Company New Oil Company (NNK), became the only private Belarusian company allowed to export petroleum products from state-owned refineries.  Limited Liability Company Bremino Group (Bremino Group), also linked to Varabei, was granted management of a special economic zone in Lukashenka’s home region via presidential decree.  BelKazTrans, Interservice, Absolutbank, OBP, NNK, and Bremino Group are all Belarusian companies.   Varabei’s business network extends into Ukraine and Russia.  BelKazTrans Ukraine, a Ukrainian entity, delivers coal from Russia and Ukraine’s Donbas region and also works with NNK.  OFAC is also designating NNK’s subsidiary in Russia, Limited Liability Company New Oil Company East (NNK East).   Varabei is being designated today pursuant to E.O. 13405 for being a senior-level official, a family member of such an official, or a person closely linked to such an official who is responsible for or has engaged in public corruption related to Belarus.

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0315

2021-08-09

US

Belarus Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 548; Executive Order 13405 Blocking Property of Certain Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Belarus

OFAC country specific

Belarus

Blocking Property, Suspending Entry

On February 3, 2010, OFAC issued the Belarus Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 548 (75 FR 5502, February 3, 2010 (the “Regulations”), to implement Executive Order (E.O.) 13405 of June 16, 2006, “Blocking Property of Certain Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Belarus” (71 FR 35485, June 20, 2006), pursuant to authorities delegated to the Secretary of the Treasury in E.O. 13405. OFAC subsequently amended the Regulations twice. OFAC is amending and reissuing the Regulations to implement E.O. 14038 of August 9, 2021, “Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Belarus” (86 FR 43905, August 11, 2021). In addition, this rule incorporates one directive issued pursuant to E.O. 14038. Due to the number of regulatory sections being updated or added, OFAC is reissuing the Regulations in their entirety.

SDN