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LOCAL News

  • 8 Nov 2022 14:00 | Anonymous


    The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit would like to inform subject persons that the FATF has published a draft text updating the Guidance to Recommendation 24 on the transparency and beneficial ownership of legal persons.  

    A White Paper for public consultation to consider the potential amendments to Recommendation 24 took place between June and August 2021. Some of the feedback received by the FATF is now included in these amendments with the purpose of increasing transparency about the beneficial ownership of the legal persons/legal arrangements and take action to mitigate the risks.

    Subject persons and other interested stakeholders are now invited to provide their feedback on the following specific issues:

    1. Whether the Guidance to Recommendation 24 is clear or are there any issues which need further clarification.
    2. Are there case examples of registries and alternative mechanisms for holding of accurate, adequate and up-to-date beneficial ownership information?
    3. Are there case examples of mechanisms to verify beneficial ownership information in low-risk scenarios?
    4. Are there case examples of the use of information held by stock exchanges for listed companies to meet beneficial ownership information obligations?

    To access the draft text, please click on the following link to the FATF website.

    Anyone interested may submit a response by the 6th of December (18:00 CEST) by sending an email to FATF.Publicconsultation@fatf-gafi.org with the subject-line “Comments of [author] on the draft Amendments to FATF Guidance on Beneficial Ownership (R.24)”. Kindly refer to the link provided above for further information.
  • 1 Nov 2022 13:53 | Anonymous


    Tunisia Regime

    • Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2073 of 27 October 2022 implementing Regulation (EU) No 101/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Tunisia

    On 4 February 2011, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 101/2011. On the basis of a review by the Council, the entries for seven persons and the information regarding their rights of defence and their right to effective judicial protection should be deleted.. The Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 101/2011 has since been amended accordingly.

    Read more.


    • Council Implementing Regulation (CFSP) 2022/2086 of 27 October 2022 implementing Decision 2011/72/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Tunisia

    On 31 January 2011, the Council adopted Decision 2011/72/CFSP. On the basis of a review by the Council, the entries for seven persons and the information regarding their rights of defence and their right to effective judicial protection should be deleted. The Annex to Decision 2011/72/CFSP has since been amended accordingly.

    Read more.



    Transnistrian Region (Moldova) Regime

    • Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2085 of 27 October 2022 amending Decision 2010/573/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against the leadership of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova

    On 27 September 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/573/CFSP. On the basis of a review of Decision 2010/573/CFSP, the restrictive measures against the leadership of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova should be extended until 31 October 2023. The Council will carry out a review of the situation with regard to the restrictive measures after 6 months. Decision 2010/573/CFSP has since been amended accordingly,

    Read more.


    Please be reminded that all EU/UN sanctions are directly applicable under Maltese law under the National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act, cap 365 of the Laws of Malta as linked here.

    Should any of your clients be a person or entity who is listed under UN/EU or national sanctions or who is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a listed person or entity, the freezing measures mentioned under Article 17 of the Act apply.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board is to be informed immediately of the actions that have been taken in relation to the assets of such listed persons.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board may be contacted on sanctions.mfea@gov.mt on any issue relating to sanctions.


    Please find below links to the:

    EU Financial Sanctions Database

    Consolidated UN Sanctions List

    EU Sanctions Map

    Sanctions Monitoring Board

  • 27 Oct 2022 15:27 | Anonymous


    Burundi Regime

    Council implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2043 of 24 October 2022 implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1755 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Burundi

    On 25 October 2022, on the basis of a review by the Council, three persons should be removed from the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures, as set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2015/1755. The Annex I to the Regulation has since been amended accordingly.

    Read more.


    Please be reminded that all EU/UN sanctions are directly applicable under Maltese law under the National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act, cap 365 of the Laws of Malta as linked here.

    Should any of your clients be a person or entity who is listed under UN/EU or national sanctions or who is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a listed person or entity, the freezing measures mentioned under Article 17 of the Act apply.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board is to be informed immediately of the actions that have been taken in relation to the assets of such listed persons.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board may be contacted on sanctions.mfea@gov.mt on any issue relating to sanctions.

    Please find below links to the:


    EU Financial Sanctions Database

    Consolidated UN Sanctions List

    EU Sanctions Map

    Sanctions Monitoring Board

  • 27 Oct 2022 15:26 | Anonymous


    FATF Public Statements – 21 October 2022

    The FIAU would like to bring to your attention the latest FATF 'High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action' (previously known as ‘Public Statement’) and 'Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring' (previously known as ‘Improving global AML/CFT compliance: on-going process’) documents issued by the FATF on 21 October 2022. A copy of these documents has been uploaded on the FIAU’s website under ‘Country Statements’.

    The FATF classifies the jurisdictions included in these documents into different categories, in accordance with the deficiencies present in such jurisdictions, and the level of commitment and progress made in addressing such deficiencies.

    The categories are the following:

    1. Jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies in their regime to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and financing of proliferation that have failed to meaningfully address their AML/CFT deficiencies and are subject to a call for counter-measures (listed under 'High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action’). This process is informally referred to as ‘’black listing’’;
    2. Jurisdictions that have developed an action plan with the FATF and have made a high-level political commitment to address their AML/CFT deficiencies (listed in the 'Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring'). This process is informally referred to as “grey listing”. This document also lists jurisdictions that are no longer subject to the FATF on-going global AML/CFT compliance process, where applicable.

    Subject persons are required to implement the measures set out under Regulation 11 of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism Regulation S.L. 373.01 (“PMLFTR”) and under Chapter 8 of the FIAU Implementing Procedures Part I, which is legally binding upon all subject persons in terms of Regulation 17 of the PMLFTR.

    High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action

    Since February 2020, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FATF has paused the review process for Iran and DPRK, given that they are already subject to the FATF’s call for countermeasures. Therefore, reference should be made to the statement on these jurisdictions adopted in 21 February 2020. While the statement may not necessarily reflect the most recent status of Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s AML/CFT regimes, the FATF’s call to apply countermeasures on these high-risk jurisdictions remains in effect. In October 2022, the FATF added Myanamar to the list of jurisdictions subject to a call for action. Subject persons should refer to Regulation 11(11) of the PMLFTR and apply the enhanced due diligence measures therein to the above-mentioned jurisdictions.

    Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring

    Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FATF has provided some flexibility to jurisdictions not facing immediate deadlines to report progress on a voluntary basis.

    The following countries had their progress reviewed by the FATF since June 2022: Albania, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Haiti, Jamaica, Jordan, Mali, Morocco, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Senegal, South Sudan, Türkiye, UAE, and Uganda. Gibraltar chose to defer reporting; thus, the statement issued in June 2022 for that jurisdiction may not necessarily reflect the most recent status of the jurisdiction’s AML/CFT regime. Following review, the FATF now also identifies the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, and Tanzania. With regards to the enhanced due diligence measures to be applied to the above-mentioned jurisdictions, subject persons should refer to Regulation 11(10) of the PMLFTR.

    Jurisdictions no longer subject to increased monitoring

    Nicaragua and Pakistan are no longer subject to increased monitoring.

    If any further information is required, you may contact the FIAU on queries@fiaumalta.org

    Read more.

  • 25 Oct 2022 14:00 | Anonymous


    Yemen Regime

    Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2034 of 24 October 2022 implementing Regulation (EU) No 1352/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation of Yemen and Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2035 of 24 October 2022 implementing Decision 2014/932/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Yemen

    The Council of the European Union on 24 October 2022 decided to amend Decision 2014/932/CFSP in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Committee established pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2140 (2014)’s decision to add one person to the list of persons and entities subject to restrictive measures.

    Read more.


    Please be reminded that all EU/UN sanctions are directly applicable under Maltese law under the National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act, cap 365 of the Laws of Malta as linked here.

    Should any of your clients be a person or entity who is listed under UN/EU or national sanctions or who is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a listed person or entity, the freezing measures mentioned under article 17 of the Act apply.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board is to be informed immediately of the actions that have been taken in relation to the assets of such listed persons.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board may be contacted on sanctions.mfea@gov.mt on any issue relating to sanctions.


    Please find below links to the:

    EU Financial Sanctions Database

    Consolidated UN Sanctions List

    EU Sanctions Map

    Sanctions Monitoring Board

  • 24 Oct 2022 14:00 | Anonymous


    Haiti Regime

    Security Council Establishes Sanctions Regime on Haiti, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2653 (2022)

    The Security Council today established a sanctions regime on Haiti, imposing a targeted arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze upon individuals and entities designated for such measures, who are responsible for or complicit in actions that threaten the peace, security or stability of the country.

    Unanimously adopting resolution 2653 (2022), (to be issued as document S/RES/2653), the Council decided to establish a Committee of the Security Council consisting of all the members of the 15-member organ, to undertake, among other tasks, the monitoring of the implementations of travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo measures imposed upon individuals and entities designated by the Committee; to seek and review information regarding them; and to designate individuals and entities to be subject to the aforementioned measures.

    It also requested the Secretary-General to create for an initial period of 13 months, in consultation with the Committee, a group of four experts (“Panel of Experts”) to assist it in carrying out its mandate, and to make the necessary financial and security arrangements to support the work of the Panel.

    Further, the Council affirmed that it would keep the situation in Haiti under continuous review and that it shall be prepared to review the appropriateness of the measures contained in the resolution, including the strengthening, modification, suspension or lifting of the measures. It went on to request, in this regard, the Secretary-General, in close coordination with the Panel of Experts, to conduct, no later than 15 September 2023, an assessment of progress achieved.

    Read more.


    Please be reminded that all EU/UN sanctions are directly applicable under Maltese law under the National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act, cap 365 of the Laws of Malta as linked here.

    Should any of your clients be a person or entity who is listed under UN/EU or national sanctions or who is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a listed person or entity, the freezing measures mentioned under Article 17 of the Act apply.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board is to be informed immediately of the actions that have been taken in relation to the assets of such listed persons.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board may be contacted on sanctions.mfea@gov.mt on any issue relating to sanctions.


    Please find below links to the:

    EU Financial Sanctions Database

    Consolidated UN Sanctions List

    EU Sanctions Map

    Sanctions Monitoring Board

  • 24 Oct 2022 13:00 | Anonymous


    Ukraine Regime

    • Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1985 of 20 October 2022 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

    The Council of the European Union on 20 October 2022 decided to amend Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 by adding three individuals and one entity to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in the said Annex.

    Read more.

    • Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1986 of 20 October 2022 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

    The Council of the European Union on 20 October 2022 decided to amend Decision 2014/145/CFSP by adding three individuals and one entity to the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in the Annex to the said Decision.

    Read more.


    Please be reminded that all EU/UN sanctions are directly applicable under Maltese law under the National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act, cap 365 of the Laws of Malta as linked here.

    Should any of your clients be a person or entity who is listed under UN/EU or national sanctions or who is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a listed person or entity, the freezing measures mentioned under article 17 of the Act apply.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board is to be informed immediately of the actions that have been taken in relation to the assets of such listed persons.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board may be contacted on sanctions.mfea@gov.mt on any issue relating to sanctions.


    Please find below links to the:

    EU Financial Sanctions Database

    Consolidated UN Sanctions List

    EU Sanctions Map

    Sanctions Monitoring Board

  • 18 Oct 2022 14:30 | Anonymous


    The Council of the European Union adopts the 8th package of sanctions in relation to the Ukrainian crisis

    The FIAU would like to bring to your attention the fact that the Council of the European Union has adopted the 8th package of sanctions in response to the illegal occupation by the Russian Federation of certain non-government controlled areas of Ukraine.

    These further restrictive measures against Russia were published in the Official Journal of the EU on the 6th October 2022 and include the following:

    • Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1903 of 6 October 2022 amending Regulation (EU) 2022/263 which now extends the geographical scope of the previous Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 to cover all the non-government-controlled areas.

    • Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1904 of 6 October 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 which lays down a list of restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising situation in Ukraine

    • Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1905 of 6 October 2022 amending Regulation (EU) NO 269/ 2014 which introduced a further criterion for the listing of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies subject to asset freeze, and the prohibition to make funds and economic resources available to designated persons and entities.

    • Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/ 1906 of 6 October 2022 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/ 2014 whereby more persons and entities were added to the list of those to be subject to restrictive measures due to their responsibility for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.

    • Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1907 of 6 October 2022 amending Decision 2014/ 145/CFSP whereby the Council introduced a further listing criterion targeting the facilitating of infringements of the prohibition against circumvention of restrictive measures that contribute to the destabilising of Ukraine.

    • Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/ 1908 of 6 October 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 whereby the geographical scope of the restrictions mentioned was extended to cover all the non-government-controlled areas of Ukraine.

    • Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1909 of 6 October 2022 amending Decision 2014/ 512/ CFSP whereby more restrictive measures were introduced, including the prohibition to engage in any transaction with certain Russian State-owned or State-controlled legal persons, entities or bodies with the inclusion of a ban on Union nationals to hold any posts on the governing bodies of those legal persons.

    The FIAU, would like to stress to subject persons the importance of keeping abreast of any developments related to their obligations, including being up to date with the latest sanctions and restrictive measures imposed by the EU against Russia, and to ensure adherence to them.

    For any questions related to these new measures or for any queries related to sanctions, subject persons are to seek direction from the SMB. Queries may be sent by email on sanctions.mfea@gov.mt.

    Furthermore, the FIAU would like to remind subject persons of its own Guidance Note on the interplay between anti-money laundering/funding of terrorism obligations and the restrictive measures applicable in the context of the current situation in Ukraine. The Guidance Note is accessible through the FIAU’s own website.

  • 18 Oct 2022 14:00 | Anonymous


    Nicaragua Regime

    • Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1934 of 13 October 2022 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1716 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Nicaragua

    The Council of the European Union on 13 October 2022 decided to amend Regulation (EU) 2019/1716 and to replace Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2019/1716.

    Read more.


    • Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1935 of 13 October 2022 implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1716 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Nicaragua

    The Council of the European Union on 13 October 2022 decided to amend Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1716 by updating the statement of reasons for two natural persons.

    Read more.


    • Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1943 of 13 October 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2019/1720 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Nicaragua

    The Council of the European Union on 13 October 2022 decided to amend Decision (CFSP) 2019/1720 in order to extend the restrictive measures set out therein and update the statement of reasons for two natural persons listed in the Annex thereto.

    Read more.



    Chemical Weapons Regime

    • Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1936 of 13 October 2022 implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1542 concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons

    The Council of the European Union on 13 October 2022 decided to amend Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2018/1542 in order to update one entry found in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Article 2 of the said Annex.

    Read more.


    • Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1944 of 13 October 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2018/1544 concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons

    The Council of the European Union on 13 October 2022 decided to amend Decision (CFSP) 2018/1544 in order to extend the restrictive measures set out therein and update one entry on the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies referred to in Articles 2 and 3, as set out in the Annex to that Decision.

    Read more.



    Iran Regime

    • Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1955 of 17 October 2022 implementing Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran

    The Council of the European Union on 17 October 2022 decided to amend Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 by adding eleven persons and four entities in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 359/2011.

    Read more.


    • Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2022/1956 of 17 October 2022 implementing Decision 2011/235/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Iran

    The Council of the European Union on 17 October 2022 decided to amend Decision 2011/235/CFSP by adding eleven persons and four entities in the list of persons and entities subject to restrictive measures set out in the Annex to Decision 2011/235/CFSP.

    Read more.



    Please be reminded that all EU/UN sanctions are directly applicable under Maltese law under the National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act, cap 365 of the Laws of Malta as linked here.

    Should any of your clients be a person or entity who is listed under UN/EU or national sanctions or who is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a listed person or entity, the freezing measures mentioned under article 17 of the Act apply.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board is to be informed immediately of the actions that have been taken in relation to the assets of such listed persons.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board may be contacted on sanctions.mfea@gov.mt on any issue relating to sanctions.

    Please find below links to the:

    EU Financial Sanctions Database

    Consolidated UN Sanctions List

    EU Sanctions Map

    Sanctions Monitoring Board

  • 7 Oct 2022 14:30 | Anonymous


    Russia Regime

    • Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1903 of 6 October 2022 amending Regulation (EU) 2022/263 concerning restrictive measures in response to the recognition of the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine and the ordering of Russian armed forces into those areas

    The Council of the European Union on 6 October 2022 adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/1908, amended the title of Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 and extended the geographical scope of the restrictions contained therein to cover all the non-government-controlled areas.

    Read more.


    • Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1904 of 6 October 20222 amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising situation in Ukraine

    The Council of the European Union on 6 October 2022 adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/1909 in response to the Russian Federation’s further aggression against Ukraine and the organisation of illegal ‘referenda’ in the non-government controlled areas that are currently occupied by the Russian Federation.

    Decision (CFSP) 2022/1909 extends the list of restricted items which might contribute to the Russian Federation’s military and technological enhancement. Decision (CFSP) 2022/ 1909 prohibits goods subject to prohibition that are covered by Regulation (EU) No 258/2012. In this context, Regulation (EU) No 833/ 2014 is to be treated as lex specialis in the event of a conflict and takes precedence over Regulation (EU) 2019/125.

    The European Union is committed to avoiding threats to nuclear safety and security. Thus, none of the measures in this Regulation seek to undermine the safety of civil nuclear capabilities or civil nuclear cooperation.

    In view of mitigating adverse consequences on energy supply to third countries and reducing prices driven by market conditions, Decision (CFSP) 2022/1909 introduces an exemption from the prohibition to provide technical assistance, brokering services or financing or financial assistance, related to the maritime transport to third countries of crude oil or petroleum products which originate or are exported from Russia – purchased at or below a pre-established price cap agreed by the Price Cap Coalition.

    The exemption from the prohibition to provide maritime services is conditional upon the Council introducing the price cap into Annex XI to Decision 2014/512/CFSP. In deciding whether to introduce that price cap, the Council will take into account the effectiveness of the measure in terms of its expected results, international adherence to and informal alignment with the price cap mechanism, and its potential impact on the Union and its Member States. The Price cap should apply to the maritime transport to third countries of crude oil and certain petroleum products and to the provision of related services. certain Member States to continue importing crude oil and petroleum products from Russia due to their specific situation or in the event that the supply of crude oil by pipeline from Russia is interrupted for reasons outside their control. Additionally, specific projects which are essential for the energy security of certain third countries may be exempted from the price cap under certain circumstances.

    In addition to the existing prohibitions related to the provision of services for the maritime transport of crude oil and certain petroleum products to third countries, Decision (CFSP) 2022/1909 further prohibits the maritime transport of such goods to third countries. That prohibition should not be applicable unless and until the Council adopts the necessary measures making the price cap applicable.

    Decision (CFSP) 2022/1909 adds to the list of Russian State-owned or controlled entities that are subject to the transaction ban that prohibits the prohibition of any sort of economically valuable benefit the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. It extends the port access and lock ban in the territory of the Union to vessels certified by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping.

    Decision (CFSP) 2022/1909 removes the threshold for the existing prohibition on the provision of crypto-asset wallet, account or custody services to Russian persons and residents, thereby banning the provision of such services regardless of the total value of such crypto-assets.

    Decision (CFSP) 2022/1909 furthermore extends the existing prohibition of the provision of certain services to the Russian Federation by banning the provision of architectural and engineering services, as well as of IT consultancy services and legal advisory services. In line with the Central Products Classification as set out in Statistical Office of the United Nations, Statistical Papers, Series M, No 77, CPC prov., 1991, ‘architectural and engineering services’ covers both architectural and engineering services as well as integrated engineering services, urban planning and landscape architectural services and engineering-related scientific and technical consulting services. The provision of technical assistance related to goods exported to Russia remains allowed, provided that the sale, supply, transfer or export of such goods is not prohibited under this Regulation at the time at which such technical assistance is provided. ‘IT consultancy services’ covers consultancy services related to the installation of computer hardware, including assistance services to the clients in the installation of computer hardware (i.e. physical equipment) and computer networks, and software implementation services, including all services involving consultancy services on, development of and implementation of software. ‘Legal advisory services’ covers: the provision of legal advice to customers in non-contentious matters, including commercial transactions, involving the application or interpretation of law; participation with or on behalf of clients in commercial transactions, negotiations and other dealings with third parties; and preparation, execution and verification of legal documents. ‘Legal advisory services’ does not include any representation, advice, preparation of documents or verification of documents in the context of legal representation services, namely in matters or proceedings before administrative agencies, courts or other duly constituted official tribunals, or in arbitral or mediation proceedings.

    Read more.


    • Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1905 of 6 October 2022 amending Regulation (EU) NO 269/ 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

    The Council of the European Union on 6 October 2022 amended Decision 2014/145/CFSP, which introduced a further criterion for the listing of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies subject to asset freeze and the prohibition to make funds and economic resources available to designated persons and entities.

    Decision (CFSP) 2022/1907 also introduced further derogations from the asset freeze and the prohibition to make funds and economic resources available to certain listed entities and introduced additional provisions regarding Member States’ obligations concerning the granting of derogations.

    Read more.


    • Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/ 1906 of 6 October 2022 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/ 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

    The Council of the European Union on 6 October 2022 considered that 30 persons and 7 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine should be added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 269/ 2014.

    Read more.


    • Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1907 of 6 October 2022 amending Decision 2014/ 145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine

    The Council of the European Union on 6 October 2022 considered that 30 persons and 7 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine should be added to the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex to Decision 2014/145/CFSP.

    The Council deems it necessary to introduce a further listing criterion specifically targeting the facilitating of infringements of the prohibition against circumvention of restrictive measures that contribute to the destabilising of Ukraine.

    Additionally, the Council introduce a derogation from the asset freeze and the prohibition to make funds and economic resource available with respect to two listed entities, as well as to include additional provisions on Member States’ obligations concerning the granting of derogations.

    Read more.


    • Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/ 1908 of 6 October 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 concerning restrictive measures in response to the recognition of the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine and the ordering of Russian armed forces in those areas

    The Council of the European Union on 6 October 2022 considers that the title of Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 should be amended and the geographical scope of the restrictions contained therein should be extended to cover all the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine.

    Read more.


    • Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1909 of 6 October 2022 amending Decision 2014/ 512/ CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine

    The Council of the European Union on 6 October 2022 deemed appropriate to introduce further restrictive measures, in particular the prohibition to engage in any transaction with certain Russian State-owned or State-controlled legal persons, entities or bodies by including a ban on Union nationals to hold any posts on the governing bodies of those legal persons.

    It is appropriate to enable the Member States to affect such withdrawals and extend the port access and lock ban in the territory of the Union to vessels certified by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. Moreover, the threshold for the existing prohibition on the provision of crypto-asset wallet, account or custody services to Russian persons and residents shall be removed.

    Read more.



    Please be reminded that all EU/UN sanctions are directly applicable under Maltese law under the National Interest (Enabling Powers) Act, cap 365 of the Laws of Malta as linked here.

    Should any of your clients be a person or entity who is listed under UN/EU or national sanctions or who is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by a listed person or entity, the freezing measures mentioned under article 17 of the Act apply.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board is to be informed immediately of the actions that have been taken in relation to the assets of such listed persons.

    The Sanctions Monitoring Board may be contacted on sanctions.mfea@gov.mt on any issue relating to sanctions.

    Please find below links to the:

    EU Financial Sanctions Database

    Consolidated UN Sanctions List

    EU Sanctions Map

    Sanctions Monitoring Board

               

Contact Us

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