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Scrape Timestamp (UTC): 2024-06-21 17:33:57.833
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US sanctions 12 Kaspersky Lab execs for working in Russian tech sector. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned twelve Kaspersky Lab executives for operating in the technology sector of Russia. These sanctions came after the Biden administration announced yesterday the ban of sales and software updates for Kaspersky antivirus software in the USA, which started in July, over potential cybersecurity risks to national security. In addition, the Department of Commerce designated AO Kaspersky Lab and OOO Kaspersky Group (Russia), and Kaspersky Labs Limited (United Kingdom) to the Entity List, preventing any US business from conducting business with them. "All the individuals below were designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy," reads the OFAC announcement. Today, OFAC announced sanctions on twelve Kaspersky Lab employees in leadership positions. The twelve sanctioned Kaspersky employees and their positions are: While many of these members report directly to the CEO, Eugene Kaspersky, the US government says they have not sanctioned Kaspersky Lab, its parent or subsidiary companies, or its CEO. The Treasury Department says that the employees are sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order 14024, which states that people determined to work in the technology sector of the Russian Federation can fall under sanctions. "to operate or have operated in the technology sector or the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy, or any other sector of the Russian Federation economy as may be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State," reads the Executive Order. Those sanctioned have had their assets in the US frozen and can no longer access them until the sanctions are lifted. BleepingComputer contacted Kaspersky for a statement regarding these sanctions and will update the article if we receive a response.
Daily Brief Summary
The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on twelve Kaspersky Lab executives linked to the Russian technology sector.
These sanctions are part of broader measures taken by the Biden administration, which include a ban initiated in July on sales and software updates of Kaspersky antivirus products in the US.
The Department of Commerce has added AO Kaspersky Lab, OOO Kaspersky Group (Russia), and Kaspersky Labs Limited (UK) to the Entity List, effectively barring US firms from transacting with these entities.
The sanctions are in accordance with Executive Order 14024, targeting individuals operating within significant sectors of the Russian economy, including technology and defense.
The specific individuals targeted hold leadership roles at Kaspersky Lab and are being sanctioned without affecting the company’s CEO or its broader corporate structure.
Sanctioned individuals have their assets in the US frozen and are barred from accessing them.
BleepingComputer has reached out to Kaspersky for comment regarding the sanctions and potential further implications.