On Thursday, the United States expanded its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) list to include eight Cuban state-owned enterprises, the Ministry of Construction, and three individuals associated with the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). This update is part of a broader strategy addressing concerns related to Cuba, terrorism, drug trafficking, and Iran.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), under the Department of the Treasury, announced these new designations as part of Executive Order 14404. The update also targets entities linked to terrorism and narcotics trafficking.
The newly added Cuban state enterprises include Acinox Comercial; the Contracting Agency for Commercial Representations S.A. (Acorec); the Tourism Supply Corporation S.A. (Coratur); Transimport; Consumimport; the Commander Ernesto Che Guevara Nickel Enterprise; the Import-Export and Metal Trading Company (Metalcuba); and the Geominer-Salt Group Enterprise (Geominsal).
Additionally, OFAC has listed the Cuban Ministry of Construction (MICONS) as a governmental body, rather than a state enterprise.
The Cuban individuals named are former spy Fernando González Llort, Leima Martínez Freire, and Noemí Rabaza Fernández. In each case, the Treasury Department highlights their connections to ICAP.
... News in development ...
Understanding U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
What is the purpose of the U.S. sanctions against Cuban entities?
The U.S. sanctions aim to pressure the Cuban government by targeting state-owned enterprises and individuals linked to activities that the U.S. deems as supporting terrorism and drug trafficking.
Who manages the U.S. sanctions program?
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), part of the Department of the Treasury, is responsible for administering and enforcing U.S. sanctions programs.
Why were individuals from ICAP targeted by the U.S.?
Individuals associated with ICAP were targeted due to their perceived involvement with activities that align with the interests of the Cuban government, which the U.S. sees as problematic.