US Treasury Sanctions A7 Over 70 Shell Companies as Iran Curbs Expand
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 1
US Treasury Sanctions A7 Over 70 Shell Companies as Iran Curbs Expand
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 1
Summary
Treasury on Thursday blacklisted A7, a Russian firm it says helped sanctioned Russian businesses, people and governments evade Western restrictions and conduct illicit finance.
More than 70 shell companies were used to move funds globally, while A7 also built an AI-powered app to forge trade records and used cryptocurrencies to launder money, according to Treasury and prior investigations.
OFAC designated A7 a significant transnational criminal organization; parts of its network had already been sanctioned in August 2025.
The case tied A7 to procurement for domestic and military uses, including sensitive components for weapons and drones, as Treasury simultaneously tightened sanctions on Iran's automotive, rail and mining sectors.