The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions against three former officials from Uzbekistan on charges of human trafficking and gender-based violence. The sanctions coincide with the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, highlighting serious allegations involving children at a state-run orphanage in Urgench, Uzbekistan.
The individuals targeted by these sanctions are Yulduz Khudaiberganova, Anvar Kuryazov, and Aybek Masharipov. They have been accused of participating in physical abuse, sexual assault, and trafficking of orphans during their time as government officials. These actions were reportedly carried out while Khudaiberganova was director of the orphanage, Masharipov led the Khorezm Regional Justice Department, and Kuryazov headed the District Emergency Department.
"Today’s action highlights the tragic consequences when government officials leverage their power and position to perpetuate a system of gender-based violence and human trafficking," stated Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
These individuals are being sanctioned under Executive Order 13818, which enforces the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act aimed at addressing serious human rights abuses worldwide. As a result, any property or interests they hold within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked.
In addition to financial sanctions, these individuals face visa restrictions imposed by the U.S. Department of State under Section 7031(c) due to credible information linking them to significant corruption or gross violations of human rights.
The Treasury's actions align with President Biden's memorandum from November 2022 that emphasizes accountability for conflict-related sexual violence using financial and diplomatic tools.
The implications for those interacting with these sanctioned individuals are significant. Transactions involving their property are prohibited unless authorized by OFAC. Violations can lead to civil or criminal penalties for U.S. persons involved.
OFAC's sanctions aim not only to penalize but also to encourage positive changes in behavior among designated individuals. For more details on how entities can seek removal from OFAC lists like the Specially Designated Nationals List, guidance is available through OFAC resources.
This move underscores U.S. efforts under E.O. 13818 to address global human rights abuses and corruption that threaten international stability and economic systems.
