Record OFAC Sanctions Fine Against a Single Individual for Blocked Property Deal
Description
In this episode, we dive into a landmark enforcement action from the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC): the largest financial penalty ever issued against a single individual. The $4.67 million fine stemmed from a real estate professional who intentionally carried out a series of transactions involving a property tied to a sanctioned Russian oligarch—despite explicit notice that the asset was legally frozen.
We break down how the individual purchased, renovated, mortgaged, and eventually sold the blocked property with a certified “good and marketable title,” and why OFAC viewed these actions as clear, willful violations. You’ll also hear how the misconduct exposed banks, brokers, and other third parties to significant legal and financial risk, and how ignoring a cease-and-desist order intensified the penalty.
This case serves as a powerful reminder: in finance and real estate, sanctions compliance isn’t optional. It’s enforced—and the consequences for getting it wrong can be severe. Tune in to learn what this means for professionals navigating today’s high-stakes regulatory landscape.
United States
